- Cataract Center
What is a Cataract and how is it treated?
The lens in the eye can become cloudy and hard, a condition called cataract. This interferes with the focusing power of the eye. Cataract can happen through ageing, as a result of eye injury, or if you have taken certain drugs such as steroids. Cataract causes blurred vision, dull vision, and sensitivity to light, glare and ghosting of images. If the cataract changes vision so much that it interferes with your daily life it may need to be removed. You can decide not to have the cataract removed, however your quality of vision will continue to dis-improve. The only available treatment for removal of cataract is surgery to replace the affected lens. The purpose of the surgery is to remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with a plastic lens (implant) inside your eye.
What will happen on day of surgery?
Before Surgery you will attend pre-assessment. Pre-assessment is done on same day if undergoing cataract removal with implantation of standard Implant. Patient requiring premium Implants, will attend assessment before surgery by 2 days at least. In the pre-assessment, your eye will be measured to help choose the correct strength of lens to replace your natural lens. Blood samples for preoperative assessment and as part of the Doctor Eldaly unique SEAL protocol.
Cataract surgery is done as a day case procedure. On ARRIVAL, pupil of the eye will be enlarged with drops and your eye will be anaesthetised with drops, and with an infusion of anaesthetic into the space between the eyeball and the lids to reduce movement of the eye. You will be made comfortable in a lying position. A drape will be put over your face and fresh air/oxygen will be fed in under the drape. The surgery is done using an operating microscope and very fine instruments, some of which make SOUNDS. You will not be able to see what is happening but you will be aware of bright light and warm water around your eye. Cataract operation lasts around 20/30 minutes. Patient who require their cataract removed by FemtoLaser, will attend two stations, femtolaser station and phacoemulsification station. FemtoLaser provid added safety for an extra cost, but does not provide an added benefit in the final outcome.
Details of Types of Lens implants are provided in the Premium Lens Implantation Service.
Care of your eye following discharge from hospital:
- Leave the protective dressing / shield in place for the length of time advised by your doctor.
- Use your prescribed medicines as directed for the duration advised.
- Read, watch TV and carry out light daily activities
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eye
- Avoid strenuous activity and lifting heavy objects
- Avoid getting soap or shampoo into your eye
- Avoid eye make-up for one week or as advised
- Contact the emergency number you have been given if you experience
- severe eye pain or headache
- sudden change of vision
- increasing redness or discharge
- sudden appearance of floaters, black spots or streaks or flashes of light
- Keep all follow up appointments.
DO NOT:
- Sleep on the side of your operation for one week
- Rub, touch or knock your eye
- Swim for 4 weeks or until you are advised that it is safe to do so