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

05 Feb 2021

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!

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Patient Reviews

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Thelma Scanlon
September 23, 2023

Great experience and great after care. Had 2020 vision within 24 hours with very minimal pain.

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Amanda Mulligan
September 23, 2023

Amazing experience , amazing staff, amazing eye sight . I had lens replacement 3 months ago and would highly recommend.

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Mr. O’Flynn Education
September 23, 2023

I got my laser eye surgery done on April 20th and couldn’t be happier. I had one hard day of recovery, followed by dry eyes for a small while. Sleeping with the protective goggles is the hardest part, but you’re helped throughout the process by experts. I couldn’t recommend this enough and Optilase were a dream to deal with. Even if you can’t afford the treatment now, you can always talk about a payment plan and get the vision you’ve always wanted.

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Holli Burgon
September 18, 2023

I could not rate high enough, consultation was extremely informative and the staff were amazing, very friendly and answered all my questions with ease.

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Roisin Byrne
September 15, 2023

I had a wonderful experience in Optilase in Ely Place, the staff were so kind and helpful and made me feel really comfortable. Would absolutely recommend

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PAULA Moriarty
September 7, 2023

Couldn't rate Optilase high enough. I had Lens Replacement Surgery. My experience from the first phone call to the procedure itself and the aftercare was fantastic. All of the staff from the call centre to the staff in Carrickmines and the theatre were so helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend .

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JeriesHamaty
September 5, 2023

I had my PRK done on both eyes , and im happy with the result. The post operation pain was extreme but it settled down after 4 days. Now i feel great after 2 weeks post operation no complications what so ever , other than blurry vision now and then, but its improving every day

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Rebekah Lowry
August 25, 2023

Got LASIK in Ely Place only yesterday and officially had 20/20 vision just 24 hours later! Cannot recommend Optilase enough from my initial consultation with Aisling in Athlone to my trips to Carrickmines and Ely Place. The staff really look after you from the moment you walk in the door and make you feel so at ease from start to finish - 10 out of 10 experience!

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Kate Oto
August 21, 2023

I highly recommend this place, reliable information and care, full professionalism.

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Lisa Simcox
August 21, 2023

LASIK was so easy and pain free. It’s one week post surgery and my eye sight is wonderful. I couldn’t recommend enough.

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Declan Wynne
August 21, 2023

I no longer need glasses,absolutely life changing.Great aftercare,lovely staff.

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Poliana Oliveira
August 9, 2023

I have been wearing glasses for over 20 years. I always hated wearing contact lenses and I got to a time in my life that I needed a change. A friend recommended optilase, I went for the free consultation and the person that did all the exams was really nice and I felt safe and confident enough to go ahead, I was recommended the PRK. I Put on a piece of paper how much I spent and would still spend on glasses for the next 10 years, and the surgery was for sure cheaper than that. My prescription was very high, both eyes, myopia and astigmatism Optilase provided all the information I needed, in clear manner. And they always made clear that there was nothing wrong with my eyes, it was my own choice to go for the surgery. The day of the surgery I was a bit nervous, who wouldn't? But then, from the reception to the surgeon, they were all so nice and welcoming. Hernandez performed the procedure, lovely surgeon, again all information was provided the way it should. I was instructed in what I should and should not do. The actual procedure took less than 15min, I felt nothing, no discomfort or anything. The whole process is very well done by the team, if I remember well around 3 people supporting the surgery plus one other girl providing pos surgery instructions. Right after the procedure I could already see much better than before without glasses! I couldn't believe it, I cried, thanked everyone and left the clinic knowing that I made the best choice. The recovery for PRK is a bit longer, I stayed for 2 full days no phones, or any screens. In the dark. If you have a little one, I would recommend to have someone minding them, as you are very limited in what you can do for the day of and day after surgery. It is hard to open the eyes, the second day after surgery was the toughest, I thought all went wrong as the vision got worst, but again I was advised it could happen. Note that this was my experience and could be different for other people. The 3rd day I felt nothing and could see much better already. Light sensitivity was very high, and still, 6 days after surgery, but nothing that a sun glasses would not help. My vision still blurred, but I need no glasses to see, my eyes feel dry sometimes, but the eye drops provided helps with it and and am very happy with the results already, even knowing it takes a bit longer to fully recover the vision. I'm back to work (screen at 200% to make sure I dont force my eyes too much) and I have had no headaches or anything, which I would have all the time looking at screens for most of my day. I cannot recommend Optilase enough, they are amazing! If you want to do something for your self and want a place you can trust, go for it, choose Optilase. Thanks to the whole team for one of the best things I did for my self!

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