Have Cataracts and wondering what your next step is? Optilase can help.

18 Dec 2020

Having a cataract can be very debilitating, in fact many people suffer greatly for some time before deciding that the next step is to have surgery to regain normal, clear vision. Is now the time for you to think a little more about the advantages of cataract surgery? If your thought process is still unsure then maybe it’s time to get some facts on the popular surgery before you go any further.

So just what are cataracts? Essentially they are cloudy patches in the lens, which is the transparent structure at the front of your eye. They can make your vision blurred or misty and can develop in one or both eyes, and often one eye can often be more affected than the other.

They can appear when you are in your 40’s or 50’s, and usually start 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.

Optilase is Ireland’s leading private eye surgery clinic, and as one of the first private clinics to be established in the country, is renowned for providing exceptional eye surgery in Ireland. With almost twenty years experience, and the country’s leading Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons, Laser Optometrists and Medical Staff working on the Optilase team, there’s no better place to find out a little bit more about cataracts and make an assessment on the next step for your sight.

Beginning your journey
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.

If these are early signs that you recognise, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with an eye clinic like Optilase, who will assess your symptoms at a free consultation. They will also assess your sight overall 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.

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. 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, let’s find out a little bit more.

Debating surgery
Whether you’ve just had the onset of symptoms, or have been experiencing the signs and signals of cataract for a while there’s really no time like the present to find out more about surgery that really could alter the everyday quality of your life.

Phillip McGlade, CEO with Optilase would encourage anyone experiencing signs of cataract to make an appointment to learn more, ‘We’ve treated thousands of patients with cataract, and post surgery most patients say that the thing they love the most is that they can return with ease to their everyday routines. In the past, people with cataracts were encouraged to wait until the condition was so bad that they could hardly see. But that's not the case anymore, now surgery to remove a cataract can be done at any stage of development. So don’t waste any more time suffering with bad vision. You’ll never regret making a call today to learn a little bit more about how you can restore your sight, and your quality of life.’

The procedure to remove a cataract usually lasts 30-45 minutes, and vision is improved almost immediately. Stronger glasses don’t improve your vision

Phillip says that a common question the team in Optilase get all the time is whether or not the surgery is painful, ‘No, the good news is that it 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.’

Life after surgery
There’s no doubt about it, life after surgery will look a lot different for you. Free of blurred vision, difficulty reading at night, and colour changes, you should regain great sight.

There are some practical things to consider after surgery, we asked the team in Optilase to fill in the blanks for us.

First up was some great advice to take it easy for the first two or three days after the surgery, like any operation you’ll need time for your eye 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 important.

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 recommend wearing sunglasses to minimise the effect of sensitivity to bright lights and sunlight in the first few weeks after surgery.

Heavy gym workouts are also generally not recommended for the first week. There is no issue with gentle treadmill use or walking. So that’s it, there are a few things off limits for the first few days and week, but trust us - it will be worth it!

Book a free consultation with Optilase today
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.

The team in Optilase run a free consultation service for all prospective patients interested in having their sight assessed and wanting to find out more about cataract surgery, and they are ready and waiting to help you on your cataract removal journey.

Wondering what happens at the free consultation? Here you can find out more about your sight, the solutions and surgery the team are recommending, 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.

Ready to talk about cataract surgery? Call the best Eye Clinic in Ireland today
As Ireland’s leading Private Eye Clinic, Optilase offers the very highest level of patient care including a lifetime care guarantee, the safest and most precise technology, at the most affordable prices.

As a proud, family-owned Irish business, team Optilase are focused on providing the very best cataract surgery available, using the latest and most sophisticated technology.

Optilase is Ireland’s largest Eye Clinic with locations all over the Island of Ireland, including in Northern Ireland.

For more information on cataract surgery, and on starting your path to great vision, call Optilase to book your free consultation on +353 1 223 8821 now, and we promise - you’ll soon see the difference!

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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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