Cataract
What is a cataract?
To see clearly, all parts of the eye need to function properly. Poor eyesight maybe due to a number of reasons, and cataracts maybe one of those reasons.
Within the eye, between the vitreous and the iris, is a lens which is responsible for ' fine tuning' our vision, so that images are clear and focused. Ordinarily the lens is clear. In later life or for reasons explained below, the lens loses its clarity and becomes cloudy this is called a cataract.
A cataract, visible to the naked eye. Not all cataracts are this dense or as visible
What causes cataracts
Age is the most common cause of cataracts although they can occur at any time in a persons life.
Other causes are trauma to the eye, some medications, certain medical conditions such as diabetes and some people are born with a pre-disposition to early cataract.
What are the symptoms?
Unless the cataract is caused by trauma, the onset of cataracts is usually slow. Colours can appear washed out and reading becomes increasingly more difficult. If left untreated, they can eventually result in very poor or even loss of vision.
What treatments are available?
Cataracts do not always require treatment, particularly if your quality of life is unaffected. Additionally, if the cataract is in one eye only, and you are able to see well in your other eye, you may feel that treatment is unecessary.
If your quality of life is affected, then surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear one, is the only solution. It is one of the most common and most successful operations performed.
At i4Vision™ all aspects of your cataract surgery ( including initial assessment, the operation itself and post operative care) are carried out by Mr Verma who is one of the most experienced cataract surgeons in the UK. in addition to recent and previous operations, Mr Verma carried out 2,350 day case small incision procedures in 2004, as part of the NHS waiting list reduction programme.
New spectacles will not improve your vision if you have a cataract. Some people feel that new spectacles are helpful, but this is only possible where poor vision is due to additional factors that can be improved with spectacles ( ie short sightedness, long sightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia).
What should I do if I think I have a cataract?
Book an eye test with your optician, who will refer you for confirmation of the diagnosis and treatment, should you need it. Under the PATIENT CHOICE SCHEME you should be given a choice of NHS and independent options. Use the new CHOOSE & BOOK fast track system for an immediate appointment.
You may also ask to be referred to a specified hospital, ( within the NHS) or a specified ophthalmologist ( in the independent sector). If you wish to be treated by Mr Verma ask your optician to refer you to i4Vision™
What does a Cataract Operation involve?
In the majority of cases, patients are given anaesthetic drops to numb the eye. Most patients prefer this option to an injection or a general anaesthetic. There are also less risks associated with this form of anaesthesia and recovery is faster.
A tiny ultrasound probe gently removes the natural lens which is then replaced with an implant.
All patients eyes are different and individual requirements can also vary ( e.g. some patients may wish to read without spectacles and are prepared to compromise distance vision to gain this benefit, others may want good all round vision and are happy to occasionally wear spectacles for reading).
Ultra sound removes the cloudy lens which is replaced by a lens implant
Lens
All patients eyes are different and individual requirements can also vary ( e.g. some patients may wish to read without spectacles and are prepared to compromise distance vision to gain this benefit, others may want good all round vision and are happy to occasionally wear spectacles for reading).
At i4Vision™ the most up-to-date equipment is used, to measure the eye and the most appropriate lens implant is used to ensure the best INDIVIDUAL outcome.
The procedure normally takes about 20 minutes and patients can appreciate the benefits the following day or sooner. It can take several weeks for the eye to fully settle down, and you will be advised when to make a follow up visit to see your optician ( should you need to) at your follow up visit with Mr Verma.
You will be given written instructions about your surgery, and what you should and should not do after it. In the UK 98% of cataract surgery is without complications making it one of the most successful procedures carried out.
CLICK HERE to view The Royal College of Ophthalmologist's booklet on CATARACTS.
CLICK HERE for further details about Cataracts, their causes and questions you might ask your ophthalmologist - Links to The Royal College of Ophthalmologist's website.
i4
Vision
™
Where youthful vision is not just for the young
All EYES are Different
And so are YOU
Diminishing eye sight is no longer an inevitable outcome of ageing.
i4Vision™ specialises in the treatment of eye conditions that can occur as a result of the ageing process
