Cataracts

Cataracts reduce vision due to the lens losing its transparency as a result of the ageing process. The treatment for cataracts is a surgical procedure. The operation consists of extracting the lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens which allows patients to see again.

With the latest technique (phacoemulsification) the extraction of the lens is carried out by making a small incision of about 3mm, the lens is then broken up using ultrasound waves and removed. An artificial lens is then implanted to replace the lens that has been removed and to correct any myopia or hyperopia that the patient may have had before. It will, therefore, not be necessary for the patient to wear glasses for distance vision after the operation. Because the incision is so small, in the majority of cases stitches are not necessary.

This operation is performed with a local anaesthetic as an outpatient intervention, in other words the patient can return home once the operation is over.