What is a Cataract?

 

The lens within the eye is positioned just behind the iris, which is the coloured ring in the eye that gives your eye its colour. The lens’ function is to offer adjustable focus of light onto the retina at the back of your eye. This is rather like how a non-digital camera has a lens that focuses light onto the camera film. A normal lens is clear. Cataract is cloudiness or opacity of this lens. We are born with a clear lens in our eye (unless there is congenital cataract), but the lens naturally and very gradually becomes cloudy as we grow older. The process can be so gradual that you may not notice any major change in your vision, but following cataract surgery you may notice a dramatic increase in brightness and colour and particularly an appreciation of the colour blue.

 

What are the Symptoms of Cataract?

 

• Blurring of vision: this usually develops very slowly over many years, although some types of cataract can progress quickly. The blurring from lens opacity is not correctible with glasses. Eventually the cloudiness can completely block your vision

 

• Problems with reading particularly in dim lighting conditions

 

• Glare: this causes difficulty with seeing in bright lights, with night driving and can cause multiple images from one eye or halos around bright lights.

 

• Change in glasses prescription: the changes in the lens can alter how it focuses light, which in turn changes the required glasses prescription. In the early stages the vision might be improved by seeing your optometrist and changing the glasses lens. However, if the required lens has to be changed fairly frequently (for example every 6-9 months) cataract surgery may be appropriate.

 

What are the Main Causes of Cataract?

 

Aging is by far the commonest cause of cataract. In fact, almost everyone will develop some degree of cataract if they live long enough, although the age at which cataract develops and becomes symptomatic varies from person to person. Other causes of cataract include diabetes, various medications such as steroids, other eye surgery (e.g. retinal surgery), trauma, congenital (present at birth) and many specific diseases.

 

Do Cataracts Occur in Both Eyes?

 

The most common type of cataract that develops with aging usually occurs in both eyes, although it may be worse in one eye than the other. However, the less common types of cataracts such as traumatic and congenital may be in one eye only.

 

Cataract Assessment

 

Your optometrist is likely to be the first person to tell you that you have cataract, as they should assess this when they are checking your glasses or contact lens prescription. You optometrist should inform you that you have cataract if either your vision is deteriorating or you need to change your glasses prescription because the cataract is developing. They or your GP can then refer you to an ophthalmologist for further assessment of the cataract and discussion about cataract surgery.

 

In the eye clinic, I will discuss the symptoms that your cataract is causing and I will do a full eye examination, including vision assessment and drops to dilate the pupil to allow examination of the cataract and the retina at the back of the eye. These drops blur your vision a little, and it is preferable not to drive until the drops have worn off, which takes around 2-4 hours.

 

Do I Need Cataract Surgery?

 

Cataract surgery is indicated when the cataract is causing troublesome symptoms, i.e. reduced vision, glare or frequent glasses prescription changes. Essentially the right time to have cataract surgery is when it is interfering with your normal day to day activities and preventing you from doing the things you enjoy or need to do. Occasionally cataract surgery is done before these symptoms occur, for example to prevent or treat acute glaucoma, or to correct extreme short sightedness.

 

It can be difficult to decide when the symptoms are troublesome enough to proceed with cataract surgery, as the very small, but potentially serious risks of cataract surgery must also be considered. In general, if the cataract is interfering with your daily activities, hobbies, work or driving, then cataract surgery is very likely to be beneficial.

 

What Happens If I Have Other Eye Diseases?

 

The presence of other eye diseases such as macular degeneration or glaucoma may affect the outcome of cataract surgery, depending on how advanced these other conditions are. However, cataract surgery can often still provide a marked improvement in vision, even if this is not restored to ’20:20’ because of the other diseases. I will discuss the possible outcomes in depth with you in the clinic.

 

Are There Non-Surgical Treatments for Cataract?

 

There are no known non-surgical methods of treating cataract, and there are no proven methods of preventing age related cataract developing although avoidance of both smoking and heavy alcohol intake probably slows down the progression.

 

Can I Have Cataract Operations in Both Eyes Done as the Same Time?

 

Although it is possible to do both surgeries at the same time, I very rarely do this, because of the small risk of having a sight-threatening complication in both eyes at the same time. However, if you are having a general anaesthetic for the operation and this is thought to be relatively high risk (for example because of lung or heart disease) I would consider simultaneous bilateral surgery and will discuss this possibility with you.

 

Cataract Pre-assessment

 

If you have decided to proceed with cataract surgery, I will arrange various measurements of the eye and the lens to enable me to calculate the strength of the lens implant that will be put inside the eye to replace the cloudy lens that is being removed. I will usually do this on the same day as I assess your eye. You may also need a hospital pre-assessment appointment if you are having sedation or general anaesthetic.

 

If you wear contact lenses, these must be removed for two weeks (soft contact lenses) – four weeks (gas permeable or hard lenses) before the measurements of the eye are made. This is to increase the accuracy of the measurements which can be affected by the contact lens which can slightly alter the curvature of the front of the eye.

 

The Choice of Intra-ocular Lens

 

With a single vision - monofocal intra-ocular lens implant the strength can be selected to give you clear distance or near vision. Most patients prefer to have clear distance vision, and use reading glasses (often just over-the-counter ones), but it is an individual decision and may also depend on what prescription and degree of cataract you have in the other eye. I will discuss this in detail with you in the appointment. There are some premium intra-ocular lens implants that can give good vision in the distance, middle distance and near vision, but at present, there is no lens available that is quite as good as the human lens. If you are interested in one of the premium lenses and being a bit less dependent on wearing glasses - either extended depth of field (EDOF) or multifocal type lenses I would be happy to discuss this with you at your consultation and explain the various options. It is important to note that some patients are aware of glare or halos around lights in dim lighting conditions immediately after the surgery. The vast majority of patients do adapt to these visual disturbances within a few weeks or months.

  

Previous Laser Surgery

 

If you have had previous laser surgery to correct short or long-sightedness, please let me know, as this affects the measurements and calculations that are done to select the intra-ocular lens implant and these must be carefully adjusted.

 

Cataract Surgery Anaesthetic

 

Most cataract operations are done under local anaesthetic, i.e. numbing the eye but with you fully awake. The eye is normally numbed with drops (topical anaesthetic). In some situations, e.g. anxiety or tremor, sedation is also given, or the operation is done under general anaesthetic.

 

The Cataract Surgery Operation

 

The eye is dilated with drops on the day of surgery. The eye is meticulously cleaned with sterilising fluid (usually iodine). The surgical procedure involves two or three tiny incisions (cuts) into the eyeball. The lens that has become cloudy is in a clear case (‘the capsule’ or ‘capsular bag’). The capsule is opened and the cloudy lens is dissolved and aspirated, using a technology called phacoemulsification, which is a type of ultrasound. The intra-ocular lens implant is then inserted into the remaining part of the capsule. The incisions are tiny and rarely require stitching. An antibiotic is put in the eye.

 

Cataract surgery is almost always done as a day case procedure, i.e. you will go home the same day.

 

After the Operation

 

I will put a clear plastic shield over the eye. The clear shield and the eye patch (if used) can be removed the next morning, although it is advisable to put the shield back on each night for a further week to protect you from inadvertently rubbing the eye in your sleep.

 

I will give you drops to use three times a day for three weeks after the operation. These drops contain an anti-inflammatory and a steroid to reduce inflammation. 

 

Your eye may feel a little scratchy or sore the next day but this should improve as the day goes on. The vision should be brighter and a little clearer the next day and over the first one to three days I would expect this to gradually improve. If there is a slight complication during your operation you may have a slightly slower recovery over one to two weeks. I will discuss this with you after the procedure. I will ring you on the first day after your operation to ensure that all is well. If there are any concerns I will arrange to see you earlier than the planned appointment (normally 3 weeks after surgery)

 

Follow up

 

I will phone you the day after surgery to check that all is well and I will then see you in clinic 3 weeks later, but please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns.

 

 

At Home

 

Washing

Avoid getting water directly in the eye for a week after surgery. A clean cloth can be used to wash around the eye from the day after surgery.

 

Sport and exercise

Avoid strenuous activity for a week after surgery and avoid contact sports for a month.

 

Television and reading

You can watch television and read as soon as it is comfortable to do so.

  

New Glasses

You can see your optometrist for refraction (glasses check) around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

 

Is a Laser Used for Cataract Surgery?

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The cataract is removed using the phacoemulsification probe to dissolve the lens. The incision is so small that sutures are not normally required. At the current time there is no laser machine that can remove the cataract in its entirety. The Phaco breaks up the lens into small pieces which can then be safely aspirated.

 

What Does the Surgery Feel Like?

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Ideally you will be lying flat, although if this is not possible, the position of the bed and pillows can be adjusted to make you comfortable. You will not be able to see the operation, and will just see lights and colours. You may feel my hand or fingers gently resting on your face and may feel water running down your face, possibly into your ear.

 

What can I expect after cataract surgery?

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You will need new glasses after the cataract operation. Most people chose to be as close to normally sighted for distance as possible, so depending on the type of lens you chose following our discussions before your operation glasses are likely to be required for reading and may also be required for distance to give sharp focus.

You are likely to notice any pre-existing floaters more after the cataract operation. This is normal and your brain will soon learn to ignore these. However, if you get a sudden onset of floaters at a point after cataract surgery and especially if these are associated with any flashing lights or reduced or missing peripheral vision this needs to be check urgently with a dilated eye examination by myself or by another eye specialist in the emergency eye clinic.

Mild pain and grittiness is common after cataract surgery and sometimes this can be quite severe on the first night. This may feel like a scratch on the eye. This should settle by the first day after the surgery. Sometimes the eye can feel a bit gritty or uncomfortable for days, weeks or even months after the surgery

 

What are the Possible Complications of Cataract Surgery?

 

Cataract surgery is a highly successful operation with over 97% of patients achieving an excellent outcome. However, complications do occasionally occur and can have serious effects on the outcome, with visual loss being the most serious.

 

• The risk of severe, permanent visual loss is less than 1:2000. 

 

• Infection inside the eye, leading to pain and reduced vision less than 1:500.

 

• The risk of requiring additional surgery because of a problem that develops during or from the operation is around 1:100. This is usually because a retinal detachment occurs after the surgery, or because residual pieces of the lens remain in the eye.

 

• Less severe complications that may delay the recovery occur in about 1 in 20 patients, for example, fluid build-up in the retina (macular oedema) and persistent inflammation.

 

• Ptosis (drooping upper eyelid): this occurs occasionally after cataract surgery. It usually settles, but occasionally needs a procedure to lift the eyelid. This is less common with the newer techniques of cataract removal (Phacoemulsification) as compared with the older methods used (Extracapsular cataract extraction)

 

• Posterior Capsular Opacification: the majority of the capsular bag is left in place during the operation as the intra-ocular lens implant is placed in it. The back face of the capsular bag sometimes becomes cloudy over time after the cataract operation in about 10% of cases. This can easily be treated with a very quick and very safe laser procedure, called YAG laser capsulotomy. I can perform this for you in the eye outpatient clinic.

 

• Dry eye and discomfort: some patients (approximately 5-10%) will have a persistently dry or irritated eye after cataract surgery. This almost always settles down but can persist for several months. It is usually relieved with artificial tear drops.

 

What Should I Look Out for After Surgery?

 

The following symptoms may indicate a post-operative problem:

 

• Pain: mild pain and grittiness is common after cataract surgery and sometimes this can be quite severe on the first night. This may feel like a scratch on the eye. This should settle by the first day after the surgery. Sometimes the eye can feel a bit gritty or uncomfortable for days, weeks or even months after the surgery. However, persistent or severe pain may represent a problem in the eye and you should contact me immediately so that I can advise you what to do.

 

• Increasing redness, pain, blurred vision or discharge: this may indicate infection and you should contact me or your local NHS eye department or A&E immediately.

 

• Blurring of the central vision: sometimes the macula (the central area of the retina) becomes a little ‘water-logged’ after cataract surgery. This may require some additional drops but usually fully recovers over a few weeks or months.

 

• Increased soreness or light sensitivity as you decrease the drops: this may indicate persistent inflammation in the eye and you may require a longer or more intensive course of drops.

 

• Distorted vision: this may indicate that there is a problem with the macula of the eye (central part of the vision) an examination of the retina is needed to find the cause.

 

• Shadow or curtain in the vision: usually a shadow or ring edge is a normal reflection that occurs from the new intraocular lens implant and will settle in time. However, a shadow or curtain can also be caused by a retinal detachment and therefore the retina should be examined.

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When to seek help

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Contact your eye surgery department as soon as possible if you experience:

• increased pain and/or redness

• increased stickiness

• decreased vision

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Do:

• use your eye drops as instructed

• take it easy for the first 2 to 3 days

• use your eye shield at night for at least a week

• take painkillers if you need to

• bathe or shower yourself as usual

• wear your eye shield when washing your hair

• read, watch TV and use a computer

• use your shield, old glasses or sunglasses outdoors

• avoid swimming for 4 to 6 weeks

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Don’t:

• rub your eye

• allow soap or shampoo to get into your eye

• drive until you get the all-clear from your doctor

• do any strenuous exercise or housework

• wear eye make-up for at least 4 weeks

• fly without seeking advice from your doctor

You could arrange for someone to help take care of you until your vision returns, particularly if the vision in your other eye is poor.

If you work, how soon you can return will largely depend on your type of job and if you need new glasses.

 

Using your eye drops

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Before you leave hospital, you’ll be given some eye drops to help your eye heal and prevent infection.

It’s important to use your eye drops as instructed by your doctor. Unless told otherwise, you should:

• start your drops the morning after the operation

• only use them on the operated eye

• wash your hands before using your drops

• don’t stop your eye drops without advice from your doctor

• don’t let anyone else use your eye drops

You’ll be advised further about the use of eye drops at your follow up appointment, usually 1 to 4 weeks after your operation.

At this appointment, you may be given advice on when to stop using your eye drops and when to make an appointment with your optician for new glasses.

 

How to apply eye drops

1.    wash your hands

2.    tilt your head back

3.    look up at the ceiling

4.    gently pull down the lower lid

5.    squeeze the bottle until a drop goes into your eye

6.    close your eye and wipe away any excess liquid

7.    don’t let the bottle touch the eye

If you run out of the drops, contact your local GP for more. You’ll need to bring your eye drop bottle and discharge letter to your appointment.

 

How to clean your eye

• boil some water and allow it to cool

• wash your hands

• dip cotton wool or clean gauze in the cool boiled water

• gently wipe from the inside (near your nose) to the outside corner of your eye

• don’t wipe inside your eye

• don’t wash your eye out with water

• don’t press on your eye

 

During the first 2 weeks, you may need to clean your eye twice a day because the drops and the healing process can cause slight stickiness. For more on cataracts go to the RNIB website.

 

 

Cataract Surgery in the Other Eye

 

If you have cataract in the other eye it is preferable to wait until the first eye has settled. We can proceed with surgery to the second eye a few weeks after the first operation normally 4 weeks later.

 

Prices from £1040

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