Treating Cataracts

Treatment for cataracts, from the patient's point of view is very simple and straight forward. Nowadays the usual treatment is for the affected lens to be surgically removed and replaced by a tiny, plastic lens implant.

This is one of the most successful of surgical operations and provides excellent results, to the delight of the patient.

Surgery cures cataracts

Several surgical techniques are available and depend on each eye surgeon's preference. As much eye-surgery is done under local anaesthetic lens implants are often done as Day-Surgery or perhaps with just an overnight stay in hospital. There is no discomfort at all during the operation or afterwards.

The most tedious part is remembering not to rub your eyes for some days and to be sure to use the eye drops according to instructions. The incisions in the eyes take about a month to heal and the eye has wholly settled down again after 2-3 months.

Even if it is necessary for cataracts to be removed from both eyes, they are operated on at different times.

Glasses may be required after surgery

The eye will have been carefully measured beforehand in order to ensure exactly the right lens to restore clear sight for each individual. Some patients might need to wear glasses for reading after the operation as the focal length of the lens is fixed and the eye can no longer adapt to near and far vision. These are fitted after the eye has completely recovered from the surgery. Nevertheless, the results are near-miraculous and the world seems immediately to be a much brighter, clearer place!

There is absolutely nothing at all to fear in this operation. It is quite painfree, quick and just about always successful. It makes a tremendous and invaluable difference to quality of life!

Early diagnosis of cataracts is important

Visit your Ophthalmologist at least every two years for a sight test. Any tendency towards cataracts will easily be discovered and monitored so that they can be removed when they interfere with your sight. At the same time you will be checked for the early onset of Diabetes, as well as Glaucoma, both very serious and potentially fatal conditions.

At the time of writing this article, sight tests are free for all UK citizens over 65! Take advantage of this and remind any elderly person whom you know about it.