It is estimated that half of people aged 65 and over will
develop a cataract at some stage in their lifetime. The aim
of Cataract Surgery at
Optimax is to restore clear
vision and, in the majority of cases, it will remove the need
for both distance and reading glasses.
What is a Cataract?
A
cataract is the clouding of the lens
in the eye. This interferes with the passage of light rays,
resulting in a general dimming of vision. It can be likened to
looking through a dirty camera lens. The condition becomes worse
over time as the cloudiness increases.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract Surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and
involves removing the cataract by emulsifying the lens by
ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and replacing it with a small
plastic lens.
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Very small
opening made
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Removal of cataract
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Insertion of replacement
lens
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New lens in place
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You need to inform your GP that you are interested in having
Cataract Surgery at
Optimax. If he considers you to be
a suitable candidate he will send us a referral letter
confirming that you are in good general health. Benefits of
Cataract Surgery include better quality of life, increased
confidence, regaining your independence and improved sense of
well-being.
Cataract Treatment
Our
specialist doctor will assess your general
health and undertake a comprehensive eye examination.
Assuming a satisfactory outcome you will be offered surgery, which
can take place soon afterwards.
Cataract Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. You will
need to sign an Agreement/Consent Form which summarises the
surgical procedure, lists potential risks/complications and
informs you of the options and alternatives available.
A local anaesthetic will be given so that you will not
feel anything. The area around the eye is cleansed and your face
covered with a sterile drape. The eyelid is held open and surgery
is carried out under the microscope while you are fully awake.
The procedure takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes and
stitches are not normally necessary. You can usually
remain in your own clothes throughout the procedure and walk into
and out of the theatre. For safety reasons it is common to
treat one eye at a time. This can be arranged to coincide
with your one week or three month aftercare visit.
After Treatment
You willl need to rest at the clinic for about an hour. Medical
staff will give you some eye drops and explain how to use
them to clean your eye. You will also be given written
instructions to take home and a clear shield to cover the treated
eye for 24 hours after the operation. You will need a friend or
carer to help you get home and also to bring you to your
aftercare
examinations.
Possible Side Effects
The risk of complication during
or after Cataract treatment is very low. However, as with all
surgery, problems can occur. There is a small but unavoidable risk
of infection but this is minimised by the full sterile theatre
conditions.