Cataract Surgery Guide
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is when the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, like a window that's fogged up.
This cloudiness develops gradually and eventually affects your vision, making everyday activities
like reading or driving more difficult.
Cataracts are very common as people age. In fact, more than half of all adults over age
65 have cataracts to some degree.
Benefits of Cataract Surgery for You
- Improved vision clarity - Colors appear brighter and more vibrant
- Better night vision - Less glare from lights when driving at night
- Enhanced quality of life - Return to activities you enjoy
- Increased independence - Less reliance on others for daily activities
- Reduced risk of falls - Better vision may help prevent accidents
- Opportunity to correct other vision problems - Special lenses can reduce dependence on glasses
Modern Cataract Surgery
Modern cataract surgery is a safe, effective procedure that usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Mr. Panos specializes in a technique called phacoemulsification, which uses ultrasound energy to
gently break up the cloudy lens into tiny pieces, which are then removed through a small incision.
After removing the cloudy lens, Mr. Panos will place a clear artificial lens (called an intraocular lens, or IOL)
in your eye. This new lens becomes a permanent part of your eye and requires no care or maintenance.
Types of Replacement Lenses
Mr. Panos offers several types of replacement lenses to suit your needs:
-
Standard Lenses (Monofocal) - These provide clear vision at one distance
(usually far), with reading glasses needed for close-up tasks. These are covered by the NHS.
-
Multifocal Lenses - These allow you to see clearly at multiple distances
(near, intermediate, and far), reducing your need for glasses. These are premium lenses that
are not covered by the NHS and require additional payment.
-
Toric Lenses - These correct astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea)
as well as replacing the cloudy lens. Some toric lenses are available on the NHS for patients
with significant astigmatism.
-
Extended Range Lenses - These provide a continuous range of vision from
distance to intermediate. These are premium lenses not covered by the NHS.
During your consultation, Mr. Panos will discuss which lens option is best for your eye health,
lifestyle, and budget.
The Cataract Surgery Journey
Before Surgery
- You'll have a detailed eye examination and measurements
- Mr. Panos will discuss lens options and answer your questions
- You'll receive instructions about eye drops and medications
- You may need to temporarily stop certain medications (always consult with your GP)
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery
Day of Surgery
- The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia (you're awake but don't feel pain)
- Drops will be placed in your eye to dilate the pupil
- Your eye area will be cleaned and a sterile cover placed over your face
- A small incision is made in the cornea (clear front part of the eye)
- The cloudy lens is broken up and removed
- The new artificial lens is inserted
- The incision is typically self-sealing (no stitches needed)
- The procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes
Recovery (First Week)
- You'll wear a protective shield over your eye, especially when sleeping
- Use prescribed eye drops as directed
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities
- Don't rub your eye
- Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurry vision are normal during the first few days
- Vision typically begins to improve within days
Long-term Recovery
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing (typically 1 day, 1 week, and 4-6 weeks after surgery)
- Vision continues to stabilize over several weeks
- If needed, you'll receive a prescription for new glasses about 4-6 weeks after surgery
- Most patients are fully recovered within 8 weeks
- Your artificial lens is permanent and will last your lifetime
Combined Cataract and Glaucoma Surgery
If you have both cataracts and glaucoma, Mr. Panos may recommend combining your cataract surgery with a
minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure. This approach allows both conditions to be treated
in a single operation, potentially reducing your need for glaucoma medications.
The most common combined procedure is phaco-MIGS, which involves cataract surgery with the placement of
a tiny device (such as an iStent) to improve fluid drainage and lower eye pressure.
