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Originally Posted On: https://www.isightclinics.com/what-is-a-cataract

 

What Is A Cataract?

What exactly is a cataract? A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, generally associated with the natural ageing process. Over time this can worsen leading to extremely blurred vision.

Signs And Symptoms Of Cataracts

The symptoms of cataracts include blurred or double vision, glare from bright lights, difficulty driving at night, difficulty recognising colours, and difficulty reading.

The symptoms of a cataract can change depending on the type of cataract, for instance symptoms of cortical cataracts begin with white wedge-like shapes on the outskirts of the lens cortex. Posterior subcapsular cataract symptoms include defective near vision and a reduction in your eye’s sensitivity to contrast.

Key Signs And Symptoms Of Cataracts

• Blurred visions

• Glare from bright lights

• Difficulty driving at night

• Difficulty recognising colours

• Difficulty reading

• Sensitivity to contrast

• Defective near vision

What Is The First Sign Of Cataracts?

Common first symptoms of cataracts include a slight clouding of your vision, difficulty seeing at night with the appearance of halos or rings within your field of vision when around bright lights.

Alongside your vision becoming dim at night-time, you may also notice a brown or yellow filtering of your vision, this may not be as visible throughout the day due to daylight compensation but will be prominent at night. Any noticeable changes in reaction to light and sensitivity when exposed to bright lights are also early symptoms of cataracts that are worth getting checked out.

What Is The Main Cause Of Cataracts?

What causes cataracts? Mainly ageing – over half the population aged over 65 have some degree of cataract. However, there are other causes including Diabetes, eye injuries and steroid medication.

What Happens At A Cataracts Assessment?

You may be wondering what happens at a cataract assessment and how long does a cataract assessment take exactly. Depending on the symptoms the assessment can take between 1- 1/2 hours, during your cataract assessment a full ocular and medical history is taken by the consultant ophthalmologist who will ask you about your general health and your cataract symptoms.

You will undergo a complete eye examination measuring all aspects of your eye using the latest technology. This process is followed for both a cataract diagnosis and a secondary cataract diagnosis.

Cataract Surgery Treatment

A cataract cannot be corrected using glasses. The only permanent cataract treatment is surgical removal which is usually a quick, safe, and painless procedure taking about 20 minutes per eye and is performed under local anaesthetic. Usually, one eye is treated at a time.

Removal is by microsurgery and essentially the cloudy lens in your eye is broken up and a new clear lens called an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. The intraocular lens is designed to last a lifetime.

At iSIGHT cataract surgery Southport and Ormskirk, we have a range of lenses to suit your lifestyle and your prescription. Your surgeon will discuss the range of lens options available to you. These lenses include multifocal, allowing you to focus on varying distances, and toric lenses to correct astigmatism.

How Much Does Private Cataract Surgery Cost UK?

How much is cataract surgery? Cataract surgery costs at iSIGHT clinic start from £2,800 (per eye), our private cataract surgery Southport (Drayton House) and Ormskirk allows for treatment within 2-4 weeks from your referral, there is no long waiting list, so we can deliver the treatment you need, right as you need it.

How Soon Can I Drive After Cataract Surgery UK?

Most patients can drive 24 hours post cataract surgery. You can drive again when you can read a number plate 20.5m (67ft) away and have a minimum 6/12 vision with glasses if required. You cannot drive with double vision.

How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?

The cataract surgery itself only takes around 15-20 minutes; It can take 2-6 weeks to fully recover post-surgery.

Can Cataracts Cause Headaches?

The blurred vision and distortion from cataracts can directly cause headaches. Vision impairment and strain to your vision could be the causation for unpleasant headaches you may be experiencing, you may also experience a direct pain located behind your eyes.

How Long After Cataract Surgery Can You Bend Over?

Due to the fact pressure can be built when bending over you should avoid bending over for at least 14 days. The pressure from bending over unnecessarily or excessively may slow down your healing process so it is recommended you avoid bending over when possible, for the first 2 weeks after your cataract surgery.

Can You Fly After Cataract Surgery?

The recommendation from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is that you have at least 1 full day of recovery before flying post cataract surgery. We recommend taking along some eye drops while flying if the pressure causes any irritation. If you have surgery with no complications there are no restrictions for travelling on commercial flights, however it is recommended that you do not fly for 1 week if possible.

How To Relax During Cataract Surgery?

We understand that cataract surgery can be stressful and have found there are a few things you can do on the day to bring comfort to your treatment. Firstly, we advise that you talk through the procedure with your consultant so you understand exactly what will be taking place.

Get any questions that you may have out to eliminate any fear of the unknown.

Wearing something comforting on the day, enjoying a great meal, prioritising a good night’s sleep the day before, and focusing on your breathing can also be calming and relaxing.

Can You Have Cataract Surgery With A Pacemaker?

Yes, cataract surgery with a pacemaker or ICD can be performed. There are additional precautions that we take before and after cataract surgery.

Is Private Cataract Surgery Better Than NHS?

The NHS will provide surgery to remove a cataract but not necessarily to correct vision to reduce the need for glasses. At iSIGHT clinics we also offer more lens options for treatment and cut out the waiting times that come along with the national health service.

According to Optometry Today, waiting times for NHS cataracts surgery increased 84% in England in 2021 meaning the average patient waited 9+ months for treatment. At iSIGHT clinic we can fulfil your private cataract surgery within 2-4 weeks from your referral.

Can I Wash My Hair After Cataract Surgery?

You can shower and wash your hair the day after the surgery. Avoid getting soap of shampoo in the eyes. DO NOT RUB YOUR EYE.

Can I Wear Makeup After Cataract Surgery?

Do not wear make-up, mascara or eyeliner for 2 weeks.

When Can I Return To Work After Cataract Surgery?

Approximately, 2-6 weeks depending on the type of work you do. This can be discussed in your post-surgery check-up and the answer will very much depend on your line of work.

After Cataract Surgery Can I Watch TV?

Yes, it will do no harm to the operated eye.

Can I Wear My Old Glasses After Cataract Surgery?

Yes, but you may find you can see better without them. We will advise when you can go to your own optician to get new glasses. It is usually around 6 weeks post-surgery.

How Long After Cataract Surgery Can I Swim?

6 weeks following cataract surgery.

Are Eyes More Sensitive To Light After Cataract Surgery?

It is normal to be sensitive to bright light for a few days following cataract surgery. You can wear sunglasses if you need to.

When Can I Exercise After Cataract Surgery?

Light exercise can be done immediately, i.e., walking/hiking. More strenuous exercise can be done six weeks following your cataract surgery.

Can I Do Gardening After Cataract Surgery?

We advise that you rest for at least 2 weeks before gardening after your cataract surgery.

Can Cataracts Come Back?

Do cataracts come back? During your cataract surgery the lens of your eye is completely removed, this means it is impossible for cataracts to grow back. However there is a separate condition that can develop with similar symptoms known as an “after-cataract”.

Need Cataract Surgery In Lancashire or Merseyside?

At iSIGHT we are specialists in cataract surgery. We offer cataract surgery Merseyside & Lancashire and can fulfil your private cataract surgery within 2-4 weeks from your referral. If you would like further reading around Cataracts, we recommend both the NHS and RNIB as a great resource, if you would like to make an enquiry for cataract surgery please click the button below.