What is a Cataract Eye Condition?
A cataract is a common condition in which the lens of the eye naturally becomes cloudy over time, resulting in reduced vision. Cataracts often develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes.
Unless it is surgically removed a cataract will continue to develop and your vision will progressively get worse. This may result in difficulty with driving, reading or recognising faces. Poor vision caused by cataracts can increase the risk of falling or depression.
Cataracts are most commonly due to aging. Other causes include trauma, medications and conditions such as diabetes.
Miss Bhan is one of the few consultants nationally who conducts immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery where both eyes are operated on at the same time. This is a popular option for many patients as it avoids two visits into theatre and two recovery periods of upto six weeks each.
If the cataract is not removed, your vision will gradually get worse over time. Delaying the operation can make the surgery more complex.
A cataract can cause differing types of symptoms including:
- Cloudy or hazy vision
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Halos and glare
- Change or reduction in colour perception
- Difficulty reading or driving
There are no medical treatments to either prevent or cure cataracts. Once a cataract is present it will continue to develop and cause increasing difficulty with vision.
Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. Cataract surgery is extremely safe and hence surgery is offered once the patient feels wishes to improve their vision.
The decision to remove the cataract is based on the patient’s choice and particularly whether the cataract is having any detrimental effect on the patient’s vision or lifestyle.
If Miss Bhan recommends cataract surgery for you it is because the cataract is making it difficult for you to see well enough to carry out your usual daily activities.
You are in safe hands. Miss Bhan and the Lancashire Eye Clinic team have performed thousands of successful cataract operations.
As a patient of the Lancashire Eye Clinic you have a choice of lenses. Miss Bhan will discuss the pros and cons of each type of lens with you during your consultation.
Miss Bhan will ensure you have the appropriate lens fitted for your visual needs. Before your surgery, you will have an assessment with her to discuss the following:
- Your lens preference depending on your visual needs
- Your expected recovery timeline
- The benefits and risks of having surgery
- Whether you will need glasses following surgery
This assessment is there to ensure you feel in control, safe and informed throughout each step of your cataract removal journey.
The most obvious benefits are greater clarity and improved colour vision. Everyday activities like reading, driving, and watching television can drastically improve following cataract surgery, regardless of the lens option is chosen for surgery.
Because lens implants are usually selected to counteract existing focusing problems, most people find that their eyesight improves considerably after surgery but they may still need glasses some of the time.
Cataracts can impair vision of differing degrees depending on the patient, cataract surgery can decrease the risk of falls as well as vehicular accidents.
Recent studies show that cataract surgery may reduce the risk of developing dementia.
We offer a range of different lens options, including:
Monofocal lenses
A monofocal intraocular lens aims to reduce the need to wear glasses for a set distance and in most cases it is set for distance vision. This is the commonest kind of replacement lens used.
Multifocal lenses
A multifocal intraocular lens aims to reduce the dependence on wearing glasses for distance, intermediate and near vision.
Toric lenses
A toric intraocular lens aims to correct astigmatism as well as reducing your overall glasses presctiption. Astigmatism happens when your eye is slightly curved, meaning light is focused at more than one place in your eye. It can cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
Cataract removal surgery is usually a straightforward procedure that typically takes 15 to 30 minutes under local anaesthetic. The incision made into your eye during surgery will heal on its own without stitches. A protective shield will usually be placed over your eye after surgery to protect your eye to guard against inadvertent scratching or airborne debris.
After a short recovery where you will be offered a drink and a biscuit, you will be well enough to go home after the operation. In total you can expect to be in the clinic for a couple of hours.
You will not be able to drive so have a partner or carer available to take you home, alternatively, the clinic can arrange a taxi to pick you up.
If you require cataract surgery in both eyes, your consultant will wait for one to three weeks before performing the surgery on your second eye.
The Lancashire Eye Clinic team are here to answer any questions you have throughout each stage of your treatment. They will be able to keep you informed about your procedure and how it is performed.
If you have private health insurance, cataract surgery will usually be covered by your provider. Speak to your insurer directly to find out.
If you are paying for your own treatment, cataract removal surgery for one eye starts from £2,500 for a standard lens. Premium lenses cost more and the overall cost will vary depending on the lens chosen. The cost of your treatment will be confirmed in writing at the time of booking
At The Lancashire Eye Clinic, you can expect:
- Flexible appointment times to fit your routine
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment by Miss Bhan tailored to your individual needs
- Miss Bhan has over 17 years’ experience as a consultant
- She has performed thousands of cataract operations with very good outcomes, well above national averages
- Comfortable, safe and private facilities
- Support by the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
If you would like to learn more about cataract surgery complete the online form, email reception@lancashireeyeclinic.co.uk or call us on 01253 730302
Examples of cataract are shown below:
Cataract
congenital cataract
Cortical cataract
mature cataract
