What causes a cataract?
What does the operation involve?
The most common reason is growing older. Most people over the age of 60 have some amount of cataract and this gradually worsens with age. Apart from getting older, the other common causes of cataract include:
Cataract surgery is usually done with a local anaesthetic and normally takes about 20 minutes. Small cuts are made and the cataract is removed in small pieces using sound waves (phacoemulsification) so you don’t need stitches. The artificial lens implant is placed inside the eye. Surgery is generally very successful and effective.
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Diabetes.
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Medications, such as steroids.
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Longstanding eye conditions.
How soon will I recover?
l Cataracts can also be present at birth (congenital cataracts).
What treatment is available? The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove your cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial clear lens implant. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful operations. New glasses will not help if the cataract is too advanced.
When should I have the operation? In the past, eye surgeons often waited until the cataract became “ripe” before removing it. Nowadays, with modern surgery the operation is usually done as soon as your eyesight interferes with your daily activities such as reading, problems with bright lights and driving, especially at night.
After surgery, you can usually go back to your everyday activities within a few days. You will be given eye drops to use for up to four weeks. Most people have no problems after the surgery and they are up and about the next day.
What should I expect to see after the operation? Usually, everything in the distance will be clear. However, your reading vision in the operated eye may be blurred. This is because the standard lens implant isn’t able to provide clear vision for both distance and near. Special lens implants are available which try to provide clear vision for distance and up close. These are called multi-focal lenses. At the moment, multi-focal lenses are only available privately. Your Ophthalmologist would be able to explore the different options and advise you accordingly. Mr Sunildath (Joey) Cazabon MB BS, FRCSEd (Ophthal). Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Why wait? Rapid access to Eye Treatment/Surgery. For more information on cataract surgery, watery eye syndrome, eyelift surgery, or general eye disorders contact your local Nuffield Health The Grosvenor Hospital, Chester on 01244 459 109 . In most cases we are able to arrange an appointment within 1 – 2 weeks, all you need is a referral letter from your GP. Our Consultant Ophthalmology Surgeons are: • Mr S Armstrong • Mr J Cazabon • Mr J Bhargava
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• Mr Tutton • Mr J Butcher
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