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CATA ARACT YO IN TS: OUR NFORM MATION GUIDE

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tral Visio Opti on icians h bee selec has en cted by Barnet NHS y t Cent PCT to pro ovide a addition nal Ca ataract assess sments and scree ening to patien referred for Catara ope o nts r act erations s.

Wha is a C at Catara act?

A Ca ataract is a clou s uding of the lens inside your ey This clouding causes e ye. g your v vision to appear blurry, foggy or o o misty. . What are the causes o Catar of ract?
The m most com mmon ca ause is re elated to o age, most peo ople ove 60 yea of age er ars e start t have s to some clo ouding of the len ns inside the eye It is a n e. natural c change in n the le ens. It aff fects som peop earlie me ple er than o others. Catar racts ca occasionally occur in an n young peop ger ple, it ma be ca ay aused by y medic cond cal ditions suc as dia ch abetes or o genet tic fact tors. Very rarely, some e childre en are born with C Cataract t. Extrem traum to th eye can also me ma he o cause Catarac e ct.

32 Regents Park Road Finchley N3 1DP 020 8343 1122 27 s d, y 222 2 Church Lane, Kin h ngsbury, NW 8SN 020 8205 599 W9 99 www.centra w alvisionopt ticians.co.u uk 2011 Central Vision Opticians n s

What are the symptoms of Cataract?

Early Cataracts often have no symptoms. Many people have Cataracts for some years before they are aware of the symptoms Blurry vision This is the most common symptom; the vision can also appear cloudy, misty or foggy. You may also feel that the print is washed out when reading, your vision may seem indistinct or that you need stronger glasses. However, new glasses may not improve your sight. Dazzled by light You may find that you are more easily dazzled by car headlamps or by sunlight. Colours faded or washed out Colours can appear faded, washed out or indistinct. These symptoms may also be the sign of other eye conditions, please see your Optometrist as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms.

How is a Cataract diagnosed?

Your Optometrist can diagnose a Cataract by examining the lens inside your eye. This achieved by shining a light into the eye or using a special microscope to see the eye in more detail. Regular eye tests can catch eye conditions at an early stage.

How is a Cataract treated?

Almost all Cataracts can be treated successfully with a routine operation involving fine microsurgery to remove the cloudy lens. Cataract operations are performed frequently in the UK. Cataract surgery is NOT performed by a laser.

327 Regents Park Road, Finchley N3 1DP 020 8343 1122 222 Church Lane, Kingsbury, NW9 8SN 020 8205 5999 www.centralvisionopticians.co.uk 2011 Central Vision Opticians

When is surgery necessary?

In the past, a Cataract operation could only be performed when the Cataract was ripe and the vision was very poor. With recent advances in surgery and technology a cataract can be removed much earlier, usually when it begins to affect your vision or your normal activities, such as working, reading, cooking, cleaning, hobbies or being able to achieve the DVLAs driving standard, are hindered. At Central Vision Opticians we will examine your vision and eyes to determine if your Cataracts are ready for surgery. If surgery is appropriate, we will refer you into the Cataract clinic, alternatively we will re-examine your eyes at regular intervals to record the progression of your Cataracts.

Before the operation

You will require a pre-operative assessment; this is an appointment about a week prior to the surgery, this is to take measurements and for an additional examination of your eyes to decide the best course of surgery for you.

The operation
Almost all Cataract operations are performed under local anaesthetic, this means you will be awake but you will not feel the surgery or anything on your eye. The Ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) may explain the procedure as it goes along, members of the healthcare team will be available to hold your hand if you wish. You will see a bright light and some vague movements, but no detail during the operation. The surgeon will make a tiny incision in your eye, it will be so small that stitches are not usually necessary. Using a special microscope and tiny instruments, the surgeon will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a special small plastic lens implanted in your eye. The implant lens will remain permanently inside your eye so that you can see after the operation. The operation usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes but may occasionally take longer. After the operation, a pad or shield will be used to cover your eye to prevent accidental rubbing or injury. As mentioned before the surgery is not performed by laser, however the membrane that holds the lens inside the eye may become thickened in the years following surgery, this can be easily removed using a laser.
327 Regents Park Road, Finchley N3 1DP 020 8343 1122 222 Church Lane, Kingsbury, NW9 8SN 020 8205 5999 www.centralvisionopticians.co.uk 2011 Central Vision Opticians

After the operation

Most people notice an instant improvement in their vision, however complete healing may take several months. You may be given drops by the Ophthalmologist to take for up to a month or two following surgery. Most patients go home the same day following surgery and many can continue with normal daily activities. However it is advisable to consider the following immediately after the operation: Avoid rubbing your eye Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, strenuous exercise and swimming Take care with washing your hair or going out on a windy day Avoid eye make-up. The Ophthalmologist or Ophthalmic nurse will be able to discuss this with you and tell you about the follow-up procedure. It is likely that you will need to change your glasses after the surgery, especially for reading, generally the distance vision is much better following the operation but some people may require glasses for specific distance tasks such as driving or television. You can usually have a sight test with your Optometrist about a month after surgery.

What are the risks of surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most successful operations performed in the UK. Patients report a significant improvement in their vision in over 95% of procedures. Less than 2% of patients have a serious unforeseen complication. About one in eight hundred may have a serious complication that causes vision loss. Upto 7% may have less serious complications that can be rectified at the time of surgery or with a further procedure but may affect the vision. As mentioned earlier, a small number of people may have a thickening of the membrane surrounding the implant lens, this can be easily and safely removed with a laser. If you have any concerns about the surgery please contact the eye clinic or the eye doctor at the hospital.

327 Regents Park Road, Finchley N3 1DP 020 8343 1122 222 Church Lane, Kingsbury, NW9 8SN 020 8205 5999 www.centralvisionopticians.co.uk 2011 Central Vision Opticians