Cataract Surgery and Treatment
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye which is normally clear and is situated behind the pupil. The lens helps to focus light on the back of the eye to form an image.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery can be performed that can remove the cataract, providing you with improved vision.
Mr Sadiq, a specialist eye doctor is able to perform this procedure which is sometimes called 'cataract extraction'. Download our frequently asked questions about cataract surgery and operations.
For more details, contact Mr Sadiq about surgery options and for more information.
Cataract symptoms
As a cataract worsens, it gradually reduces the amount of light entering the eye causing:
- Blurring of vision
- Colours appear to be faded
- A change in the spectacle prescription
- Glare in bright lights or when driving
- Some doubling of vision
Treatment for cataracts
The only permanent treatment for cataract is surgery, and the method is called phaco-emulsification. However, cataracts can take many years to develop, and sometimes a change in spectacles can improve the vision temporarily. Surgery is indicated when spectacles do not improve the vision and the symptoms (as listed above) affect activities of daily living. A cataract does not need to be fully developed (to be ripe) nowadays as surgery can be performed for early cataracts which are causing sufficient symptoms to interfere with activities of daily life. In phaco-emulsification, ultrasound emulsifies or liquefies the lens and this is removed through a small incision (less than 3mm). An acrylic implant is usually inserted through an injector that keeps the intraocular lens implant sterile while it is being inserted. These implants are folded so that they can be inserted through a small wound, and they then open to their full size when they are inside the eye. Sutures are usually not required at the end of surgery. Following surgery, the vision is usually much brighter the next day although it may be blurry. The focus settles over the coming days to weeks, and some form of spectacles are required when the eye is healed, usually a month or so later. Drops are required during this time.
Read the full article (What is a cataract).
Read FAQs about Cataract Surgery.
