Cataract

Cataract Treatment

CATARACT PROCEDURE 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 Optilase 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.

Cataract Treatment Our comprehensive surgeon 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.

Contact Optilase today on 01 6030905 to book your initial free consultation.