Cataract Removal

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 cataract is clouding of the natural lens in the eye usually caused by ageing. A cataract causes blurred vision or changes the focus of the eye.

Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness and are conventionally treated with surgery.

Visual loss occurs because opacification of the lens obstructs light from passing and being focused on to the retina at the back of the eye.

In some cases glasses may resolve the poor eyesight but in more sever cases surgery becomes necessary. The surgery to replace the cataract with a new clear artificial lens is performed under local anaesthetic (which may be given as eye drops or an injection) and in most cases the patient will be allowed home on the same day as their procedure.

The operation, which takes between twenty and thirty minutes involves removing the cataract and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. By breaking down the cataract into smaller pieces using ultrasound the removal from the eye becomes a lot more simple and is done via a small cut made by the consultant. 

The lens implant is then inserted behind the iris into the same capsule that held the original lens. 

Although you will be awake during the procedure it is important to understand that there will be no pain and no way to see the instruments being used. Light and movement may be experienced but comfort levels will be kept to a maximum.

They will then insert the lens implant behind the iris in the same bag (or capsule) that held the natural lens in place.

The eye will be numb for a period of hours after the operation and an eye patch will be used overnight. Regular exercise will allow the eye to return to normal as soon as possible, however if pain relief is required, over the counter pain killers may be used. 

Eye drops may also be prescribed by your consultant and it is important to finish the course. 

Vision will be restored within a few hours however it may take up to two weeks for the eye to heal completely. 

It is important to discuss any queries with your consultant prior to the operation. 

This procedure will normally be covered by the medical insurance policy but patients are advised to check with the provider prior to any treatment.

If you are paying for your own treatment all costs will be discussed and explained prior to any treatment taking place. This will be confirmed in writing along with any surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees and hospital charges prior to admission.