- What is a cataract?
- What is the aim and expectation of surgery?
- Who to see about it
- Choice of lens implants
- How is it done?
- Is it common?
- Is it always safe?
- What about after care?
- When can I drive?
- Will I have both eyes done?
What is a cataract?
Cataract is opacity in the lens inside the eye and the operation removes this lens and replaces it with an artificial lens.
What is the aim and expectation of surgery?
The aim of surgery is not to be able to do away with glasses but to have better eyesight when wearing glasses.
Who to see about it
Opticians will know much more about this condition than general practitioners and it is important that the optician is visited before considering referral to the eye clinic; In addition some cataracts can be managed with spectacles and not surgery.
Choice of lens implants
The power of the artificial lens is chosen to match the wishes of the patient. Usually people want to have good distance vision but some prefer to be able to read without glasses (be short sighted) and it is worth thinking about this before coming to the consultation. It is also important to know what the current spectacle prescription is so please bring a copy of this to the appointment.
How is it done?
Cataract surgery is the commonest operation performed in the UK
Is it common?
Cataract surgery is a day care procedure but help may be needed with transport and the night after surgery.
Is it always safe?
Complications are rare but can arise as a result of cataract surgery. Very occasionally the complication can result in sight loss. Because of this we only operate if there is a significant visual problem effecting every day living.
What about after care?
Drops are needed for up to four weeks afterwards so if help is required to do this it is worth looking for someone to assist early.
When can I drive?
There are no DVLA guidelines but usually the eye is sensitive for a couple of days after surgery and the driving glasses will need to be changed after a month. Legally the requirement is to be able to read a car number plate at 25 yards with glasses if needed.
Will I have both eyes done?
People often assume that both eyes will be done. This is not the case. It is considered risky to operate on both eyes at the same time unless there are very good reasons, and often the second eye does not need surgery until a later date.
For more information on cataract and what it means for you, please click on the link below:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery
Mr Michael Bearn
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Dr Gray’s Hospital
October 2009
|
Clinician Blogging
