Summary
The eye's lens helps focus an image on the back of the eye (retina). When we are young, our lens appears clear. As we age, the lens proteins begin to age, causing the lens to get cloudy and we call this a cataract.
This can then lead to symptoms of glare and reduced vision. Most people get cataracts as they get older. Some people can be born with cataracts.
Studies have shown that people improve their vision, contrast sensitivity, depth perception, activity, anxiety, depression, visual disability, confidence, handicap and quality of life and reduce falls after cataract surgery (1-3).
The Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed operations in the country. Approximately 330,000 cataract operations are performed each year in England alone.
Most people undergo cataract surgery under local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic can be administered as drops on the eye or as a small injection around the eye.
In a small number of cases where patients are highly anxious or unable to keep their eyes still, they can be given sedation or general anaesthetic.
The surgical time can vary from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the type of cataract and complexity of your case. When Dr Rupal Morjaria sees your case, she will discuss your case in detail with you before surgery.
Will I need glasses after surgery?
Measurements of your eye are taken before surgery so Dr Rupal Morjaria can discuss options with you.
Most people choose to see clearly from a distance without needing glasses but will need reading glasses after surgery.
Special lenses can be put in your eye that helps you with your distance and near vision, such as multifocal lenses and extended depth of focus lenses.
These lenses, however, are often unsuitable for people with any conditions affecting the retina at the back of their eye.
Risks of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed operations in the country. Approximately 330,000 cataract operations are performed each year in England alone.
Most people undergo cataract surgery under local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic can be administered as drops on the eye or as a small injection around the eye.
In a small number of cases where patients are highly anxious or unable to keep their eyes still, they can be given sedation or general anaesthetic.
The surgical time can vary from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the type of cataract and complexity of your case.
When Dr Rupal Morjaria sees your case, she will discuss your case in detail with you before surgery.
Rupal Morjaria is the FOCUS lead for the Birmingham Midland Eye Centre, a Charity organisation which provides support to patients with visual impairment. She is also the current secretary of the Midland Ophthalmology Society.
