Clearing the mist: your guide to cataract treatment and its benefits
Explore common questions about restoring vision through cataract surgery
As we get older, our eye lens can get cloudy. This is known as a cataract. The chance of getting a cataract goes up with age. Cataracts can make your vision blurry or foggy, make it hard to read or need more light to see clearly, and create trouble seeing at night because of glare. Sometimes, you might see double or have trouble recognizing faces. Not everyone with a cataract has vision problems right away.
Surgery can fix cataracts and help clear your vision. This is common for people in their 60s and 70s, but it can be done at other ages too.
A cataract makes the clear lens of your eye cloudy, blocking light from reaching the back of the eye. As we get older, the proteins in our eye lens can stick together and create these cloudy spots.
People with bad cataracts might say it’s like looking through a waterfall or wax paper. This can make it hard to do things like drive at night, read small print, sew, or watch TV.
Some things that can make you more likely to get cataracts include:
- Ageing
- Eye trauma
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Certain medications, including long-term use of oral steroids
- Ultraviolet radiation
- Smoking
- Glaucoma
- Certain metabolic conditions
Either we or your optometrist can identify cataracts through a detailed eye examination. This involves conducting a series of tests, such as:
- A test to check how clearly you can see,
- An examination using a special microscope to look at your eye,
- A check-up of the back part of your eye.
Cataract treatment primarily involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial one. This surgery is renowned for its high success rate and ability to restore vision.
The most common type is standard cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and then removed. A clear, synthetic lens is then inserted into the eye. Premium cataract surgery offers additional benefits by using advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) that can correct other vision problems, such as astigmatism, or provide multifocal vision, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery. These premium lenses are designed to enhance the quality of vision, offering patients not just clarity but also a broader range of vision.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) represents a newer, highly precise method. This technique uses a laser to perform steps traditionally done manually, such as creating the incision in the eye and fragmenting the lens, which can improve accuracy and potentially reduce risks associated with surgery. FLACS, combined with premium IOLs, provides an opportunity for significantly improved visual outcomes, making it an attractive option for those seeking the best possible results from cataract surgery.
Each of these treatment options offers a path to clearer vision, tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the patient.
Not necessarily. This depends on the type of lens implant you choose to receive. With a monofocal lens, you will need glasses for reading. With a multifocal lens implant you will have a greater degree of freedom from glasses, including a greater ability to read without glasses.
How do I know if I have cataracts?
Common symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare, seeing “halos” around lights, frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and fading or yellowing of colours.
Can I prevent cataracts developing?
While there’s no sure way to prevent cataracts, some practices may reduce your risk or slow their progression. These include wearing sunglasses to protect against UV rays, not smoking, eating a diet rich in antioxidants (like vitamins C and E), and managing health conditions such as diabetes.
Are there any risks associated with cataract surgery?
Like any surgery, cataract surgery comes with risks, though they are rare. These can include infection, inflammation, changes in eye pressure, and retinal detachment. However, the success rate of cataract surgery is very high, and complications can often be managed effectively.
Can cataracts recur after surgery?
No, cataracts cannot recur because the lens that becomes cloudy is removed during surgery. However, some people may develop a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which can blur vision and is sometimes referred to as a “secondary cataract.” PCO can be easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.
Watch our patients describe their journey to better vision
Our patients explain how their lives have changed after treatment
Cataract surgery: A simple path to clear vision in 3 steps
Cataract surgery can significantly improve your quality of life, and we’ve simplified the process into three manageable steps to ensure a smooth and transparent journey.
Reach out
Your path to clearer vision starts with reaching out. Contact us at +44 20 7112 4921, or book an appointment online for your initial assessment. It’s the first step towards understanding your specific needs and the best way forward for your eye health.
We’ll meet
At your assessment, our expert team will conduct thorough eye examinations to determine the extent of your cataracts and discuss your vision goals. We’ll explain the surgery process, including the types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) available and which would best suit your lifestyle. You’ll leave the appointment with a comprehensive understanding of how cataract surgery can enhance your vision and life.
Enjoy a brighter world
After your cataract surgery, you’ll join the many who marvel at the vividness and clarity of their renewed vision. From reading fine print effortlessly to appreciating vibrant colours and detailed landscapes, the improvements are life-changing. Our patients often express immense satisfaction with their enhanced ability to engage in daily activities and hobbies without the hindrance of cataracts.
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Sharmina Khan
MBBS(Lond) MSc FHEA FRCOphth DipCRS CertLRS, Consultant Eye Surgeon
Hi, I’m Sharmina Khan
I am a specialist Cataract & Lens Consultant Surgeon based in London at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital.
I have carried out over 7000+ cataract/lens procedures in the last 10 years across both my private and NHS practices.
In my private clinic I offer my clients bespoke Premium Cataract Care Pathways. There are options so that you can achieve your dreams of better vision and more, according to your lifestyle needs.
