Cataracts are a common eye condition where the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. Assuming we live long enough, everyone is susceptible to getting cataracts.
It is a normal part of aging, however we do not need to accept the negative impact it has on our lives. Cataract surgery is the most effective treatment used to restore your vision, with the potential of making your vision even better than before your cataracts developed.
A cataract is a cloudy area in the eye’s lens responsible for decreased visual acuity. More than half of all people age 65 and older have a cataract.
Cataracts are not a disease, it is a normal part of ageing; they usually develop over time and don’t have to be removed immediately.
Common cataract symptoms include poor night vision, a bothersome glare produced by bright lights, a blurring of vision and a fading or yellowing of colors.
As this develops slowly over a period of years, it might not be immediately noticeable. However, eventually, vision becomes a little blurred, like looking through a smudgy piece of glass.
In the early stages, stronger lighting or a change in your glasses prescription may help with cataracts. At a certain point, however, surgery will likely be required to improve vision.
Cataract surgery has been one of the greatest beneficiaries from advances in technology and has made extraordinary and exciting advances in recent years.
Widely regarded as one of the safest and most effective procedures, cataract surgery is performed in an outpatient setting and has a recovery time of around one week. Many people enjoy improved vision with minimal dependence upon corrective eyewear.
Performed using microscopic incisions and advanced ultrasonic equipment to break apart cataracts into tiny fragments, foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) are then used to maintain a minimally invasive procedure.
Cataract surgery is a day-case procedure. Usually, one eye is operated on but sometimes both eyes can be operated on the same day.
The surgery itself usually takes 15 to 20 minutes per eye but you should expect to be in the hospital for 2 to 3 hours.
No, this is a completely pain-free the procedure. Anaesthetic drops are used to completely numb the eye before the beginning of the procedure. Additionally, sedation can be given to keep you relaxed during the operation. There is also the option of a General Anaesthetic but it is very rarely necessary.
Your vision is likely to be better the following day, although it will continue to improve in the days following the operation. It is very important to understand though that the recovery time can vary significantly between individuals and even between the eyes of the same patient.
You may return to work when you feel able.
You may drive once you meet the DVLA standard but we would advise to only do so if you also feel safe to do so.
Overall, cataract surgery is very safe. Complications rarely occur, with a serious problem such as an infection or bleeding in the eye affecting approximately 1 in 1000 patients. 1 in 100 patients may require a second operation – this could include repositioning or exchange of the lens, clearing lens fragments from the back of the eye or repairing a retinal detachment.
For prices and enquiries, please contact:
Elizabeth Legg
+44 (0) 2074594045
admin@georgevoyatzis.co.uk
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