Cataract

Q: What is a cataract?

A: Cataract is when the natural lens of the eye becomes opaque, thereby reducing or blurring the vision. As well as blurred vision, some patients experience other problems such as glare or double vision. Cataract is a common condition which can happen at any age, but tends to occur as you get older.

Q: What causes a cataract?

A: The most common cause is ageing. However, there are other causes which include trauma, diabetes, certain types of medications (e.g. steroids), infections and genetics.

Q: Do cataracts get worse if left untreated?

A: You do not have to have treatment for cataract. However, with time, the vision is likely to slowly worsen and eventually the cataract can affect almost all of the vision. Most patients opt to have surgery much before this occurs in order to restore their vision. Usually surgery can be performed at any time without affecting the final result.

Q: What treatment is possible?

A: If the visual problems caused by cataract are affecting your life, then a cataract microsurgical operation (also referred to as phacoemulsification surgery) can be performed where the cloudy natural lens (cataract) of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant. This is the most commonly performed surgical procedure of any type worldwide. Most patients notice that their vision is significantly improved following the surgery.

Q: What type of anaesthetic is used for the operation?

A: Most patients choose local anaesthetic for their surgery and are awake. The eye is numbed with either eye drops or an injection around the eye. However, if you are nervous, cannot lie still or have specific medical reasons, the surgery can be performed under sedation or general anaesthetic. Surgery takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Q: What sort of lens implant can I have?

A: There are a wide range of lens implants available. Consultants at the London Lauriston Clinic have access to the latest technology and all types of lens implants ranging from monofocals, to toric lenses (correct astigmatism) to multifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses (which are designed to correct distance, intermediate and near vision) can be used. All of these options will be discussed during your outpatient appointment so you can decide what is best for you.

Q: What happens at a consultation for cataract?

A: During your consultation, you will have a full history taken and ophthalmic assessment by one of our expert clinicians. Your eyes will be dilated and a thorough assessment of the back of the eye (retina) will also be performed. Measurements and scans of the eyes are taken by our ophthalmic team. You will have an in-depth discussion with one of our expert surgeons to determine what options there are and the sort of lens implants that are appropriate for you.

Q: What are the benefits of cataract surgery?

A: Cataract surgery is usually performed to improve the quality of your vision – seeing better, with less glare and colours appearing more vivid. Approximately 95% of patients have a good result from cataract surgery. Surgery can also reduce your dependence on glasses, although sometimes glasses are still required to achieve best vision (at distance and/or near) depending on the type of lens implant that you have chosen.
The likelihood of better vision after cataract surgery can be lower if you have other eye diseases such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration. In addition, sometimes cataract surgery is performed to improve the view to examine the back of your eye. You will have been informed about these scenarios in advance.

Q: Are there any risks of surgery?

A: Most patients have a good outcome following cataract surgery. All types of eye surgery carry risk, and complications can damage your sight or need further surgery to address unexpected problems. One in 100 people will have worse vision as a direct result of cataract surgery. One in 1000 people will have severe loss of sight in the eye as a direct result of cataract surgery. Risks of surgery will be discussed with you during your consultation.