Can you get a cataract twice?
What is a cataract?
One of the questions we are asked the most around cataract surgery is whether or not a cataract can return once it has been removed. Simply, the answer is no but it’s important to understand exactly what a cataract is and how it forms. We will also share tips on how you can prevent a cataract from forming, and slow its progression once it is already present in its early stages.
A cataract forms when the proteins in your eye clump together and begin to cloud the natural lens in your eye. At first, this might appear in the form of slightly faded colour vision, and progressively worsen over the years. A cataract can also cause your vision to become cloudy, gradually impairing your vision and preventing you from performing simple everyday tasks. In fact, if left untreated long enough, a cataract can cause you to lose all vision and become legally blind. This is where cataract surgery comes in as a necessary sight-saving procedure.
How can you get rid of a cataract?
The only way to remove a cataract is to undergo cataract surgery. This is a simple procedure which we offer at Optimax. Cataract surgery is actually the most widely performed surgery worldwide with over 18 million procedures carried out globally each year. At Optimax, all of our surgeons are NHS consultants and are members of either the Royal College of Surgeons or Royal College of Ophthalmologists – so rest assured you’re in great hands!
The surgery is usually over in around 20 minutes and is very straightforward. During cataract surgery, we administered numbing eye drops so that you do not feel any discomfort whilst the procedure is taking place. The lens in your eye which, over the years, has become cloudy with the cataract is extracted. The surgeon then gently inserts the new artificial lens, restoring clear, youthful vision once more.
Different types of cataract lenses
We offer different types of lenses to cater for individual visual requirements. We order in each lens for every cataract surgery based on what your surgeon believes will work best for you. Some of these lenses are even made bespoke to produce the best visual result possible. At your first consultation, we conduct a number of in depth tests which provide highly accurate readings for your prescription. We use these readings when choosing your specific lens.
We offer monofocal lenses which provide clear, crisp vision for far distances, although you will still need reading glasses after surgery for close visual ranges. Alternatively, you can opt for a multifocal lens which will provide good vision for near and far visual ranges, allowing you to live free from both prescription glasses and reading glasses.
Can a cataract come back?
As the eye’s natural lens is removed and then replaced with an artificial one, it is not possible for a cataract to develop again. The proteins inside your eye cannot clump together in an artificial lens as it is made from a specialist plastic material. The lens is designed to last for around 100 years so you should feel the benefit of it for the rest of your life. You won’t experience any of the natural age-related deterioration which you otherwise would have with your natural lens, meaning you can avoid the cloudy, dimmed vision that comes with cataracts.
How can you prevent cataracts from worsening?
Once cataracts have formed in your eyes, you won’t be able to reverse them without cataract surgery. However, you can…
These are all steps which have been proven to help slow the progression of cataracts. We have a wealth of resources available on our blog which can help you to boost your eye health. We provide guidance on all things eye health related, from dryness to eye diseases, to cataracts. Ensuring that you live a healthy lifestyle can go a long way towards protecting your vision.