Cataract surgery
A cataract is a cloudy lens within the eye leading to blurring of vision, haloes, glare and sometimes double vision.
Cataract surgery is the commonest operation performed in the UK. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens. It is an incredibly successful procedure usually done under local anaesthetic drops or an injection as a day procedure to restore sight for the vast majority of patients. General anaesthesia can be given too- and this will be discussed before the surgery.
Before the operation
At your initial consultation a detailed eye assessment and measurements will be carried out where I will be able to discuss both the general risks and benefits of the procedure and any specific to you. As with every procedure, there are some risks. There is around a 1 in 1000 risk of infection which can lead to loss of sight and about a 1 in 100 risk of reduced vision or a further procedure. Although these can seem worrying, these risks are very infrequent. Your glasses will change after the surgery and we'll have a detailed discussion about this at your initial assessment. Often the aim would be to achieve clear distance vision without glasses and to use reading glasses for near. If there is imbalance of focus, the other eye may need surgery later.
On the day
On the day of surgery, once you've been admitted, you'll have dilating and anaesthetic drops instilled in your eye. During the operation you'll need to lie flat and still. A drape will be placed over your face. Oxygen is given under the drape to keep you comfortable. If there's a worry of claustrophobia we can help make the procedure less stressful. You may feel the surgeon's hands resting gently on your forehead. You'll probably see a bright light initially and hear some background noise from the procedure, staff or even soothing music. The operation itself usually takes around 10 - 20 minutes.
Aftercare
Afterwards, you'll be given drops to use - usually 4x day for a month. A light plastic shield dressing is applied to protect the eye whilst the wound is healing. This should be worn until the following morning and then at night for the following week or so. The wound is usually watertight after 5 days (and so usual hair washing can be resumed then)- although swimming should be avoiding for around 3 weeks. You should see your optician about 3 weeks after the operation to get a new glasses prescription. Bring this with you to your review appointment, where I can confirm it's ok to proceed with getting the new glasses made.
Cataract surgery is the commonest operation performed in the UK. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens. It is an incredibly successful procedure usually done under local anaesthetic drops or an injection as a day procedure to restore sight for the vast majority of patients. General anaesthesia can be given too- and this will be discussed before the surgery.
Before the operation
At your initial consultation a detailed eye assessment and measurements will be carried out where I will be able to discuss both the general risks and benefits of the procedure and any specific to you. As with every procedure, there are some risks. There is around a 1 in 1000 risk of infection which can lead to loss of sight and about a 1 in 100 risk of reduced vision or a further procedure. Although these can seem worrying, these risks are very infrequent. Your glasses will change after the surgery and we'll have a detailed discussion about this at your initial assessment. Often the aim would be to achieve clear distance vision without glasses and to use reading glasses for near. If there is imbalance of focus, the other eye may need surgery later.
On the day
On the day of surgery, once you've been admitted, you'll have dilating and anaesthetic drops instilled in your eye. During the operation you'll need to lie flat and still. A drape will be placed over your face. Oxygen is given under the drape to keep you comfortable. If there's a worry of claustrophobia we can help make the procedure less stressful. You may feel the surgeon's hands resting gently on your forehead. You'll probably see a bright light initially and hear some background noise from the procedure, staff or even soothing music. The operation itself usually takes around 10 - 20 minutes.
Aftercare
Afterwards, you'll be given drops to use - usually 4x day for a month. A light plastic shield dressing is applied to protect the eye whilst the wound is healing. This should be worn until the following morning and then at night for the following week or so. The wound is usually watertight after 5 days (and so usual hair washing can be resumed then)- although swimming should be avoiding for around 3 weeks. You should see your optician about 3 weeks after the operation to get a new glasses prescription. Bring this with you to your review appointment, where I can confirm it's ok to proceed with getting the new glasses made.