The lens and cataract
The clear lens of the eye slowly clouds with age. Most of the time there is no hurry, and how much it affects daily life decides when to operate.
What does the lens do?
The lens sits behind the pupil and focuses light on the retina. In youth it is clear and soft. A cataract means this lens has clouded, like a window that has steamed up.
Symptoms
Early on you usually notice nothing. Later you may have:
- Hazy or blurry sight
- Colours that look more faded than before
- Glare and halos around lights, especially at night
- Poor night vision
- Sometimes double vision
- A glasses prescription that keeps changing
Who is at higher risk?
Ageing is the most common cause. Diabetes, smoking, heavy alcohol use, family history, past eye injury or surgery, radiation to the upper body, long sun exposure and long-term steroid use all raise the risk.
How is it diagnosed?
The doctor examines the lens with dilating drops. The exam is painless. Because blurred sight is not always a cataract, the retina and optic nerve are checked too.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery is usually suggested when a cataract gets in the way of daily tasks such as reading, driving or watching television. The decision depends on your life, not just a number on a chart. Sometimes the doctor suggests surgery sooner because of another eye condition.
What is the operation like?
The cloudy lens is removed and an artificial lens takes its place. It is usually done with numbing drops or an injection. You stay awake but should not feel pain, and you may notice light and shadow. It takes about 20 to 45 minutes and most people go home the same day. Preparation and aftercare are in the patient guide.
Risks
Serious complications are rare, but they do happen. They include infection, bleeding, inflammation, a shifted lens and retinal detachment, and your surgeon will discuss them beforehand.
Months or years later, the capsule that holds the lens can cloud and sight can blur again. This is not a new cataract, and it is usually treated with a laser.
After surgery, when should I call at once?
If you get sudden floaters, flashes of light, a curtain-like shadow or sudden blurring, or if pain and redness are getting worse, do not wait for your next visit. Call at once.
Frequently asked questions
Can drops or medicine clear a cataract?
No. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. Until surgery is needed, better lighting, up-to-date glasses and anti-glare sunglasses can help.
Will putting off surgery harm my eye?
In most cases waiting does not harm the eye or make later surgery harder. If your sight is no longer good enough for driving or work, raise it with your doctor.
Will I be free of glasses after surgery?
That cannot be promised. Many people still need glasses for reading or distance, and the prescription may differ from before.
Are both eyes done together?
Usually not. If both eyes need surgery, they are done on separate days.
To begin: a full eye examination.
Go to the booking page or talk to the support team. Have your glasses, drops and earlier results ready.