Cataract Removal at Eyesite

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is an incredible safe and effective treatment and is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the UK. Our partner surgeons at Advance VisionCare on Harley St are hugely experienced in this field and have performed thousands of successful procedures. We offer quick, easy and direct access to Cataract treatments by leading surgeons in private facilities with a choice of lenses that are not available with the NHS.

What is a Cataract?

A Cataract is a clouding that forms in the natural lens of the eye. This clouding is due to denaturation of the protein in the natural lens of the eye. The most common cause is age related but it can be caused by long term exposure to ultraviolet light, exposure to radiation or secondary effects of diabetes. The most effective way to treat the cataract is to remove the natural lens and replace it with a synthetic lens.

The Cataract procedure:

On the day of your treatment you will be given eye drops to dilate the pupil. The operation usually lasts about 15 minutes and is painless and is performed under topical anaesthetic (eye drops). The surgeon makes a micro-incision on the side of the cornea, no more than 3.5mm and inserts a tiny probe into the eye. The probe emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the cloudy lens before it is removed. Once removed the original lens is replaced by a lens implant. There are no stitches, this means you can return home the same day, you will be free you leave after about one hour.

Types of lenses

Fixed Focus Monofocal lenses are used in the majority of cataract procedures. These lenses offer excellent quality distance vision and perform well in all lighting conditions. Most people who chose to have the monofocal lens implanted opt for good distance vision, these patients will typically continue to wear reading glasses or have Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) For patients willing to use reading glasses for close work, these lenses are an excellent choice.

Fixed focus toric lenses are able to correct astigmatism.

Multifocal lenses achieve good distance and near vision without glasses. These lenses optical zones divide light and bring it into focus at more than one point at the same time. This allows the eye to see well at distance and for close work. During a clinical study in the United States 92% patients who had the ReZoomT multifocal lens implanted reported that they never or only occasionally had to wear glasses. Another multifocal lens is the ReSTORT. This lens is designed to divide light into two focal zones so that near and distance objects can both be seen without glasses. Multifocal lens have a greater tendency to cause complaints in lower light conditions so patients who drive regularly at night may wish to consider a different lens. The vast majority of patients with these lenses do not have any problems driving at night.

If you wish to discuss cataract removal with one of our trained optometrist, please Book a Complimentary Chat at your nearest Eyesite, where we will be happy to answer any of your questions and discuss the procedure.