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CATARACT SURGERY
Cataract Surgery – A Small Cataract Operation
Cataract Surgery which is a small cataract operation is by far the best option for treating cataracts. There are no medicines or dietary changes you can make that will help to ease and improve the condition.In the early stages of development it may be possible for you to manage the cataract symptoms simply by updating your glasses prescription. However without any treatment the lens of your eye could become so cloudy that your vision becomes seriously impaired.
Cataract Surgery
Modern cataract surgery is a short day care operation and can be performed at any stage of cataract development. Many people wait until they begin to experience more serious problems with their sight, however a cataract operation can be performed at an earlier stage of development and this can be discussed with Mr Mahmood.
Choice of Anaesthesia
Before having the operation you can be given a local anaesthetic to prevent you from experiencing any pain during the treatment process.
Mr Mahmood will discuss with you the various options of anaesthetic. Cataract surgery may be done with only numbing eye drops or using an injection around the outside of the eye, if necessary general anaesthetic is an option although it is very rarely needed.
Cataract Operation
Cataract surgery is done through a tiny entry wound that does not usually require stitches. The cataract is removed and in its place an artificial lens implant placed in the eye.
You will need to administer eye drops for a few weeks after surgery and at your follow-up appointment you will either be listed for your second eye surgery or advised to have glasses made. Mr Mahmood will advise you on your cataract aftercare and recovery.
If left untreated cataracts can worsen and may eventually lead to severe sight impairment and even blindness. Fortunately, cataract operations are widely performed and can help to restore your sight to almost the same level it was before the onset of the problem.
Cataract Operation Is Low Risk
Cataract complications resulting from a lens implant operation are relatively rare and a cataract operation is generally very successful. Advancement in techniques over the years means that this area of surgery is highly researched and mostly safe.
However it is important to understand that any operation on the eye carries some small risk. Fortunately Cataract Surgery is considered to be, as mentioned earlier, very low risk and Mr Mahmood’s personally audited results show a complication rate of less than 1% well below the national average.
Any potential cataract complications and risks of the surgery specific to you would be discussed thoroughly before the surgery.
It is estimated that less than 2% of people who have had a cataract operation anywhere in the UK will experience problems but it is always important to educate yourself before any type of operation and be aware of the possible complications that may occur after surgery. Mr Mahmood will discuss your cataract recovery and give you an aftercare programme tailored to your specific requirments.
Possibly the most common complication that occurs after surgery is that the lens capsule holding the cataract lens implant in place thickens. This can occur a few months after cataract surgery or even a few years later. If you begin to experience cloudiness again then this may be the cause. The thickening and cloudiness can be corrected by a small laser procedure should this happen to you.
Cataract Complications Are Rare
Some complications are more serious but these are thankfully very rare. Such complications include:
- Infection.
- Breaking or tearing of the lens implant capsule.
- Retinal detachment.
- Problems and discomfort caused by the positioning of the lens implant.
If left untreated cataracts can worsen and may eventually lead to severe sight impairment and even blindness. Fortunately, cataract operations are widely performed and can help to restore your sight to almost the same level it was before the onset of the problem.
Cataract Recovery – Improvement Over A Few Days
For most people cataract recovery is relatively swift post surgery and an improvement in vision may be experienced almost immediately. However the speed of improvement to vision will vary from person to person and it can take some time for your sight to settle down.
It is important not to be too impatient and not worry too much about the initial results, as you will definitely experience a growing level of improvement over the next few days.
Many people who have had Cataract Surgery will experience some redness to the eye(s) and your eyes may feel sensitive to light, however this is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
The cut that is made to the eye during cataract surgery is tiny and will normally heal by itself however in some cases it is possible that a small stitch may be put in place to help speed up the healing process.
Cataract Aftercare
There are several types of cataract aftercare you will be advised to adopt after your cataract operation. These include:
- Using any prescribed eye drops as instructed.
- Not rubbing your eye or eyes.
- Wearing an eye shield over the eye to keep it protected.
- Avoiding getting soap in your eye when bathing or showering.
- Avoiding washing the face in a ‘face down’ position.
- Avoiding sports or other situations where you could get hit in the eye.
- Avoiding other strenuous activities, sticking to a moderate level of activity.
- Avoiding driving until being given the go ahead by your Ophthalmologist.
- Keeping your follow-up appointments.
If left untreated cataracts can worsen and may eventually lead to severe sight impairment and even blindness. Fortunately, cataract operations are widely performed and can help to restore your sight to almost the same level it was before the onset of the problem.