Cataracts FAQ - Every question you’ve ever had about Cataracts answered by Optilase

There’s no doubt about it, as we get older we can encounter a number of problems with our sight that we’ve never had before. These problems can be debilitating in everyday life, even to do the simplest of things like ordering from a menu or reading a newspaper or magazine, but it’s never too late to find solutions to these issues, and this is where Optilase, Ireland’s premium Private Eye Clinic can help.

First things first, it’s important to note your symptoms. Many people develop problems with blurry or double vision, trouble with bright lights or difficulty seeing at night, which all point to a problem with Cataract, a very common eye issue that occurs as we get older. Although these symptoms can be very unpleasant, the good news is that you really don’t need to suffer in silence. Every year millions of people with these very symptoms have Cataract surgery, restoring their vision in ways they never thought possible.

Optilase is Ireland’s No.1 Private Eye Clinic, and with clinics all over the island of Ireland they perform thousands of Cataract surgeries every year. Here they answer the questions you might have on Cataracts, on surgery and on your sight after undertaking the popular surgery.

What is Cataract and when do they develop?
A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts often develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Cataracts are quite common, generally affect those over 40 and are the leading cause of impaired vision throughout the world. It is estimated that over half of all people over 65 have some cataract development in one or both eyes.

Cataract usually starts to affect your sight when you are in your 60’s, in fact cataracts are generally age-related. But they can also appear if you’ve had radiation treatments, diabetes, corticosteroid medications or any type of eye trauma.

So know you’re not alone, millions of people across the World have cataract surgery every year. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most common and quickest forms of surgery. And most people are able to return to their usual daily routine 24 hours after having the operation,

How will I know if I have Cataracts?
First things first - do you think you might have a cataract or are you unsure? There are many simple signs and signals to tell you that you may have a cataract. To start with you might be experiencing subtle changes to your vision, such as loss of contrast sensitivity or a loss of colour perception. This basically means that you may notice that colours are beginning to look faded and dull, and also that you have trouble seeing in low-contrast situations, for example at night.

As with any change in your vision the best way to find out for sure is to visit your Optician or local Optilase Clinic who will examine your eyes and give you a full breakdown of your sight.

What happens when I visit Optilase to find out more about the surgery?
Research before any surgery is important but speaking to a professional and talking them through all the questions, hopes and fears you may have about the procedure before and after is priceless, and the key to getting the best result for you and your sight.

Optilase has been in business for over twenty years, so when you visit them to find out more about your eye symptoms and ask for some treatment or surgery you can rest assured that they’ll have the answer you’ve been looking for.

Having treated thousands of patients over the years you really couldn't be in better hands. Once you get in contact with Optilase they will arrange a free consultation for you so that they can assess your sight and will discuss the possibility of surgical removal of your cataract with you. There’s no commitment, and it’s a great way to have a professional assessment on your sight, and give you some options to remedy whatever might be having an effect on your vision. Remember it’s never too early or late to have your cataract removed, so there really is no time like the present.

When you visit Optilase for your free consultation you’ll also find out how to finance the surgery and why 99% of Optilase’s patients would recommend them to a friend or family member. Make the call today to set up your free consultation, there’s no commitment on your part to go ahead with anything other than meet the team.

Is the surgery painful?
The team at Optilase tell us that this is one of their most asked questions when it comes to cataract surgery - and understandably so. The good news is that the surgery is not at all painful. Most patients describe a mild sensation of pressure around the eye. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear synthetic implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). The focusing power of the IOL is chosen by your surgeon to reduce dependence on glasses after surgery.

What happens if I leave a cataract untreated?
If you have cataracts, they will get worse over time, and your vision will get worse. Important skills can be affected, such as driving, and loss of vision affects the overall quality of life in many ways, including reading, working, hobbies, and sports. Don’t let cataracts get in the way of having a great quality of life as you get older, your time is now. Don’t wait a minute longer!

What changes can I hope to see after the surgery?
Lots! Firstly you can look forward to a huge improvement in your sight -you’ll be free of blurred vision, difficulty reading at night, and colour changes, all the simple things that will make a huge difference!

Anything practical you should consider after surgery? Yes, the team at Optilase will give you lots of aftercare advice, but here are a few top tips.

Go easy on yourself after your surgery! Especially for the first two or three days after the surgery, as like any operation you’ll need time to heal and to rest. Try not to rub or touch your eye in the days after surgery, it might seem like obvious advice but it’s an important factor in your healing process.

Next up, driving. Most patients can drive within 48 hours after the operation – the general advice is that you can start driving when you feel comfortable doing so. It is a good idea to avoid driving long distances in the first week, as your eye will probably feel strained after the surgery. The team in Optilase also recommend wearing sunglasses to minimise the effect of sensitivity to bright lights and sunlight in the first few weeks after surgery.

If you love keeping fit, after surgery might be time to have a little break from the gym and exercise as workouts are also generally not recommended for the first week. You can however continue to use a treadmill and keep yourself active by walking or gentle jogging.

Ready to find out more?
Self care is the best present you can give yourself so don’t delay if you feel you may need some eye surgery, the best time to get a sight assessment from a professional really is now.

Celebrating over twenty years in Ireland, Optilase is an Irish family business that continues to be the leading Private Eye Clinic in Ireland. Their team has all of the answers you need to help you to restore your sight back to its best.

Where you are located doesn't really matter as Optilase has Clinics, all over the Island of Ireland, including four Clinics in Northern Ireland. There really is no time like the present, give yourself back the gift of good sight and start enjoying every experience again, there really is nothing like getting back the gift of great vision.

For more information on Optilase and to book your free consultation +353 1 223 8821 now, and we promise - you’ll see the difference in your sight sooner than you think!