Cataract Surgery – What You Need to Know

1. Cataract Surgery – What You Need to Know Cataract surgery is a common and safe surgery performed on patients daily throughout the world. The good news is that this surgery is a day case surgery. This means you arrive at a set time for surgery and then return home the same day for recovery. What are Cataracts? Cataracts form on the lens of the eye, which becomes cloudy, having a negative impact on your vision The cataract usually forms over a period of a few years. Some people don't even know they have cataracts until an appointment with their optician, who then refers them to an ophthalmologist for further investigation and treatment. Treatment The only effective treatment for this condition is cataract surgery, which involves the removal of the lens and replacement with an artificial lens. The surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist using ultrasound or laser to remove the lens. A very common and safe procedure provided to patients of all ages. Risks There are risk associated with cataract surgery that will be discussed with you in detail at your consultation with your ophthalmologist. Some of the most common risk factors associated with this type of surgery includes infection, inflammation, bleeding, droopy eyelids, retinal detachment and a secondary cataract that forms after surgery has taken place.Ensure you discuss these risk factors in detail with your consultant ophthalmologist to ensure you understand the risks. You have to weigh the risks against the outcome of the surgery. If your cataracts are playing havoc with your vision, you may decide that the surgery far outweighs the risks in the long run.

2. Preparing for Cataract Surgery Getting ready for cataract surgery is the same as preparing for any other surgery, even though it is only performed as an outpatient treatment. You will have tests a week or so before the surgery and you will be required to stop certain medications. It's recommended you take your medications with you to your consultant appointment, discuss what medications you are on, so you know which ones you should not take on the day. You will be required to refrain from eating on the day of surgery, your ophthalmologist will advise you what time you can eat up until the night before. Post Surgery After cataract surgery the recovery time is relatively quick and you will see an improvement in your eyesight a few days later. You will be required to use eye drops at certain times throughout the day after surgery. This is to reduce the risk of infection. They eye drops can also have an impact on your vision, causing blurred vision for a few days.You will need to take a few days off work to enable your eyes to improve and you can start seeing clearly again. Refrain from driving a car until your vision has returned to normal. Choosing a Cataract Surgeon Choosing a cataract surgeon should be carried out taking your own gut feeling into account. Your optician will refer you to an ophthalmologist, but there is nothing that says you have to use that particular doctor. You can attend the consultation to confirm cataracts and identify if surgery is the only step forward right now. Make use of online sites. In the UK the NHS website is overflowing with detailed information on doctors and hospitals where you can have your cataract surgery. Ensure you choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with that has a proven track record and an excellent success record for complex cataract surgery, so you can use their services with confidence when it comes to improving your eyesight. 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 eye sight 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