Cataract and Uveitis
The lens inside the human eye is transparent and, due to the ability of it to change shape, allows fine focusing to take place. When it turns cloudy, this is called a cataract. Cataract is common in the elderly although it can occur at any age.
Uveitis is a name given to a large group of disorders causing inflammation inside the eye. This inflammation can cause a cataract to form that may produce blurred vision. When this becomes a problem an operation to remove the cataract can be considered. Laser can not remove a cataract.
CATARACT SURGERY
Removing a cataract is the most common operation performed by eye surgeons and happens thousands of times each year at this hospital. Modern techniques have made the operation extremely reliable.
Cataract operations can be performed under local (drops / injection to ‘numb’ the eye) or general anaesthetic (when the patient is put to sleep). The operation usually takes under 20 minutes. During the operation a small incision is made at the upper edge of the cornea, underneath the upper eyelid. The cataract is removed and a synthetic lens put in place of it. This helps the eye to focus after the operation and stays in the eye for life. This artificial lens can not change shape so glasses will be needed after the operation to achieve the change of focus at various distances (eg. distance to reading). The eyes are tested for glasses after a few weeks. Eye drops are required after the operation to help control any inflammation from the surgery.
CATARACT SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH UVEITIS
If your cataract has arisen as a complication of uveitis, an operation to remove it is less straightforward. This will vary from patient to patient and the issues will be discussed with you in the clinic before any decision is made.
The operation
The operation can take slightly longer due to the scarring inside the eye from the uveitis. Due to this and the frequent young age of patients, you may need a general anaesthetic and an overnight stay in hospital.
The lens implant
The best way to get good vision following a cataract operation is to put a synthetic lens into the eye.
After the operation
Frequent outpatient attendance is required in the first few weeks after the operation to keep a close watch on the eye. A combination of frequent drops will be prescribed and it is very important that you take them as directed.
Reading glasses
It is normal, usually sometime after the age of 40, to need reading glasses as the lens inside the eye looses it’s ability to alter focal distance. As many people with cataract due to uveitis are under the age of 40, they will experience a need for glasses in order to acquire the best vision possible in their eye following cataract surgery.
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| B08000603 |
