What to Expect From Cataract Surgery?

25th, May 2016

As you get older, the lens in your eye can gradually become less transparent and your vision can start to look misty. This is known medically as having a cataract.

Cataracts usually develop over a long period, causing your eyesight to gradually get worse over time. If a cataract is left untreated, the lens will eventually become so clouded that it is impossible for you to see any detail and your vision will become severely affected. You may also find that bright lights will cause glare or dazzle you more than they previously did.

Cataracts can be removed at any stage, you don’t need to wait until your eyesight is badly affected to have this simple operation and restore your clarity of sight. Cataract surgery at Kingsbridge Private Hospital is a simple operation to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. The result being you can see more clearly.

Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes. If you have cataracts in both eyes, it is recommended that you have them removed one at a time, starting with the eye that is most severely affected.

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

At Kingsbridge Private Hospital you are in the best possible care. Our doctors will explain how to prepare for your operation before the procedure. The ophthalmologists will measure your eye and vision. These tests will help decide which artificial lens will be best for you, so your vision is as good as possible after the surgery.

What happens during cataract surgery?

The operation is usually done under a local anaesthesia. This will block any pain from the area around your eye and you will stay awake during the procedure.

The operation itself is a simple procedure and usually takes around 30 minutes. Eye drops are used to widen your pupil and relax the muscles in your eye. This makes it easier for the eye to be examined and the lens to be removed. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon will make tiny cuts on the surface of your eye. Although your eye is open and you will be awake, you won’t be able to see the instruments being used, however you may see light and some movement.

A special instrument is used to break up the cloudy lens. You may hear a soft buzzing sound when it’s being used. The doctor will remove the broken lens from your eye leaving behind the capsule it sits in. The new artificial lens is then put in, where it will stay permanently.

What to expect afterwards?

After a local anaesthetic, it can take several hours before the feeling comes back into your treated eye. Your eye will be covered with a protective pad, which you will need to wear overnight. You may need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off. You should start to get feeling back in your eye after a few hours. Your vision should start to improve within a few days, however it may take a few weeks to heal completely.

What are the risks?

As with every procedure, there are some risks associated with cataract surgery. Risks are specific to you and differ for every person, however these will be discussed at your consultation.

At Kingsbridge Private Hospital, our Consultants are the best in their field. We take care of your complete journey from consultation to surgery. Your safety and wellbeing is of utmost importance and our experienced team of surgeons and nurses ensure you are always in safe hands.

If you would like to book an appointment of require further information on the options available to you, do not hesitate to contact our team on 028 9066 7878 or alternatively send us an online enquiry.