Frequently Asked Questions in Cataract Surgery
1] Do I need a letter of referral?
This is not needed for a private consultation but it is helpful if you have one. Both your GP and Optometrist can directly refer you.
2] Will I need glasses after my cataract surgery?
Once the cataract (the cloudy lens of your eye) is removed, an artificial lens is implanted. Using a standard artificial lens which has a fixed distance of focus, almost all people will need glasses especially for intermediate and near vision. With the use of special artificial lenses the need is much less. Scientific studies have shown that over 90% of patients with a multi-focal lens are completely free of glasses for distance, intermediate and near vision with the rest needing them only occasionally.3] Will laser improve my eyesight?
If you are over 40 and are considering laser surgery (LASIK or LASEK) then you should consider multi-focal intraocular lenses. This is because laser will only give you a fixed distance of focus whereas a multi-focal lens will give you both distance intermediate and near vision. Laser is not used to remove your lens / cataract.4] Does a cataract need to be ‘ripe’ before surgery is done?
No. Modern cataract surgery in skilled hands is very successful. This means that the threshold for recommending surgery has changed over the years. The chance of making your vision permanently worse following uncomplicated surgery is under 1%. If you are in poor health it is advisable to have your cataract operation at an early date.
5] Am I too old for cataract surgery?
No. There is no age limit for cataract surgery. Not too long ago surgery was performed on a lady who was 102 years old. She was delighted with the outcome and wished that she had had the operation years ago.
6] Is it true a cataract operation can be performed under just eye drops rather than an anaesthetic?
Yes. Usually cataract surgery performed under local anaesthetic involves the injection of anaesthetic around the eye but it can be done just under eye drops. Your surgeon and nurse will discuss the options with you at your pre-assessment.
7] What may happen if I don’t have cataract surgery?
The natural history is for the cataract to get worse with time. This will make your vision more and more misty over the months and years ahead.8] I have Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Does this stop me from having cataract surgery?
No. Many patients with macular degeneration will benefit from removing the cloudy cataract lens. Vision, especially peripheral vision, will be much brighter. A magnifying glass appointment should occur following the surgery as this can improve some of the central vision as well. The IOL-VIP is a new lens specially designed for people with macular degeneration and can further improve vision due to the effect of magnification and deflection of the light onto a healthy part of the retina.9] Who will do my operation?
In the NHS the cataract waiting list is shared. You may be operated on by a different team who initially saw you and the surgeon could be a consultant or supervised training eye doctor. Although listed under a particular named consultant team, this does not mean that the consultant is the person doing your operation. With a private operation you specifically choose the surgeon.10] How long does the artificial lens last for?
We use artificial lenses (intraocular lens implants) in children now as well, so these lenses are designed to last for life.11] How long is the operation?
This essentially depends who performs the surgery. Under a Consultant Ophthalmologist it will take approximately 15 minutes.
12] Will I stay in overnight?
No. The majority of lens surgery is undertaken as a day case procedure. You will be in the hospital for approximately 2 hours.13] Do I have stitches in my eye after cataract surgery?
No. The operation takes place through a small wound of under 3mm in size. This is self sealing so no stitches are needed.14] Will I have a shield over my eye after?
No. The operation is performed using eye drops only so all needles are avoided. This means that no shield is required after the operation.15] When will the cataract operation date be? How long for the second eye to be done?
For the NHS, the current recommendation in Leeds is for the first eye to be done within 3 months and an additional 6 months for the second eye. Only one eye is done at a time. By going privately, not only do you choose your surgeon but also the time and date of your surgery as well as the comfort of free easy parking. Privately the second eye can be done 1 week following the first eye.16] How soon can I drive?
It is sensible to have a few days off from driving. Legally, if you can see the number plate at 67 feet and your visual field is fine, you can drive a normal vehicle.17] How soon can I go back to work?
Be sensible and don’t exhaust yourself. The exact answer to this really depends on the type of work you do but usually a few days off is all that is needed.18] What must I not do after cataract surgery?
After a week most normal activities can be undertaken including hair washing. It is advised to avoid swimming for a month and please do not rub your eye.19] I have had previous refractive laser surgery so can I still have cataract surgery?
Yes. Unfortunately the calculations for a precise result are less predictable following laser surgery to the cornea. By knowing what your corneal measurement were before and after the laser surgery helps to get better accuracy.20] Can you correct my shortsight (Myopia) or longsight (Hypermetropia) at the same time?
Yes. This is because accurate measurements before the operation allows us to precisely calculate the power of the artificial lens needed to focus the image on the retina. By choosing a multifocal lens, this allows unaided distance, intermediate and near vision in over 90% of people.21] I have astigmatism. Can this be corrected at the same time as well?
Yes. Astigmatism is an irregularity of the window of the eye (cornea) which blurs the image on the retina by producing two points of focus. By using a Toric artificial lens, this special lens will correct the astigmatism and so produce a clear image.
22] I have already had cataract surgery but am frustrated at still needing glasses for reading. Can anything be done for this?
Yes. Rather like the advantages of the multifocal lens which produces no need for glasses for distance, intermediate and near vision in over 90% of people, so a similar lens can be put on top of your cataract operation lens and give you the benefits of unaided intermediate and near vision as well
23] Can cataracts come back following the surgery?
No. However the bag the artificial lens sits in can become cloudy months or years later. You will realise this as the vision will not be as sharp as it was before. It appears as if the cataract has come back. A laser capsulotomy can easily restore the good vision. It is done on an outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes to do in the clinic.
Should you require any more information or you wish to make an appointment, please contact us on 0845 456 2021
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