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
crystalline lens in the eye which lies behind the iris and the
pupil. As a result, this interferes with vision which
becomes blurry or darkened. It can be likened to looking through a
dirty camera lens. Another symptom of cataract is
"glare".
If untreated, vision becomes progressively worse over
time as the cloudiness increases and could potentially lead to
permanent vision loss. This condition usually affects people
after the age of 60 to 70 but could occur earlier.
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For more information on
Cataract Treatments, call David Knight in customer
services
on 01733
297193 or email david.knight@optimax.co.uk
for a free call back.
What is Cataract Surgery?
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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.
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. |
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Types of Lenses for Cataract Surgery
Cataract Eye Surgery
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 during treatment. 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 of Cataract Eye Surgery
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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.
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YAG laser
capsulotomy
Watch here
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