Is Cataract Surgery The Right Choice For You?

By Author: Private Practice of Mr Mahi Muqit PhD FRCOphth
Total Articles: 36
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If you are experiencing cloudy vision due to cataracts, your eye doctor may suggest you visit an ophthalmologist to discuss the option of cataract surgery. This procedure removes the lens of your eye and replaces it with an artificial lens. This is a very common and safe surgery, which improves your vision, giving you clear sight.

When you are told you have a cataract, it doesn't always mean that surgery is the way to go. Often when told you to have a cataract your vision hasn't changed. Many people with this eye condition see fine when wearing prescription glasses, relying on brighter light or even using a magnifying glass.

Over time cataracts will grow and as a result, you may experience more symptoms. Further symptoms can include blurred vision or even dim vision, some people have double vision when looking at things using the eye with the cataract. This can make it more difficult when using a computer, reading, or working.

When your cataracts develop your night vision reduces, making it harder to drive your car at night. The glare of headlights coming towards you may be too much and your eyes may become ...
... very sensitive. Many people who have advanced cataracts often fail the vision sector on their driver's test.

You will also find as your cataracts develop, the sun's glare makes it harder to see. Often brighter lights will have a halo around them, which can reduce how much time you spend outdoors. It can also make it harder to enjoy certain spots, including golf or skiing.

There are some unique instances where the cataract is large enough that it covers the inside of the eye, which leads to an increase in pressure on the eye. Even though it may not bother you at this point, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to reduce the pressure on your eye.

When you choose cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist will do tests a couple of weeks before your surgery. They measure the shape and size of your eye in order to choose the best replacement lens.

You remain awake during the surgery with your eye numbed with a local anesthetic, this means you will only feel pressure, and you will not experience any pain. You will also be given medication that helps you relax. Cataract surgery is quick and usually takes less than an hour. The surgeon makes a tiny cut in the front of the eye and using a small tool, they break up the cataract and suction it out. They then replace the lens with an artificial one and close the cut.

The good news with cataract surgery is that it is a day case, so you can go home for recovery the same day. Remember you will need someone to drive you home. In the event you have cataracts in both eyes, the surgeon will do each eye individually in separate surgeries, usually a few weeks apart, giving the first eye a chance to heal.

There are risks and side effects you need to be aware of when it comes to cataract surgery, which include eye infections, bleeding, swelling and retinal detachment, droopy eyelids and an increase in eye pressure for up to twenty-four hours. It's not uncommon for your eye to be sensitive or itchy for a few days post-surgery. You may also find that you are sensitive to bright light.

You are given eye drops to reduce the risk of infection and you should refrain from driving, bending over and picking up heavy things for a few days.

About Us:
Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eyesight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com/.