Cataract
Questions, answers and treatment options

Cataracts are the most common cause of reduced or blurred vision in patients over 60 years old and cataract surgery is the single most common operation performed each year. Factors that may contribute to cataract formation include family history, trauma, high myopia, certain medications and diabetes. More often than not, cataracts occur as part of the normal ageing process, just as hair turns grey and skin loses elasticity.

What is a Cataract?

When the lens within the eye starts to become cloudy or opaque, it is referred to as a cataract. Contrary to popular belief it is NOT caused by skin growing over the eye.

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

The most common symptom is blurred vision. Symptoms may also include star bursts or glare when driving or when in sunlight. Colours may be less vibrant and you may find that spectacles will no longer correct your visual symptoms.

Cataract treatment

If changing your spectacle prescription no longer solves your visual symptoms or your quality of life has been affected ( you can no longer comfortably read or take part in your usual hobbies) then a cataract operation is the only solution.

What does the operation involve?

You will first be examined in the outpatient's clinic to determine whether an operation is the best solution for you and to establish whether you have any other conditions that could make surgery more complicated. At this point,your surgeon will discuss the benefits and the risks of the procedure with you. If you decide to go ahead with an operation a series of painless tests will be conducted. This is called a pre-operative assessment. During this appointment, measurements will be taken of your eye to determine the strength and type of lens implant that will replace the cloudy one.

Lens Implant Options

Once the opaque lens within the eye (the cataract) has been removed it must be replaced with a clear synthetic lens. There are various lens types available all of which are categorised as either MONOFOCAL, MULTIFOCAL or ACCOMMODATIVE. Monofocal lenses are available in the NHS and a range of approved lenses are available in private practice.

If you would like to talk with us about our treatments or have any questions about our procedures, please call us on 01483 576 576 or email info@surreyeyesurgeons.com. We are based in Guildford, Surrey and have a team of highly qualified eye surgeons.