Cataracts
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A cataract is clouding of the natural lens in your eye. The natural lens focuses light to provide you with a clear image. With time the lens becomes cloudy, a process that progresses slowly as proteins in the lens degenerate.
What causes cataract?
The main cause for cataract is the normal aging process. Cataracts usually result in a slowly progressive decrease in vision. People frequently say that they have difficulty with TV subtitles or reading. Certain types of cataract cause glare with night driving. Cataracts do not cause eye pain or sudden changes in vision.
Cataract Surgery
Once a cataract has progressed vision can only be recovered with a cataract operation. This is a very effective and safe operation and is performed as an outpatient procedure. It is most frequently performed under local anaesthetic and is not painful. The cataract is removed through a small incision in the eye and the eyes cataractous lens is replaced with an implantable lens which is injected into the eye. Cataract surgery is highly successful with 98% of people experiencing no side effects of the surgery. For more info on Postoperative Care, click here
Postoperative Care
A shield is placed over the eye to prevent eye rubbing and potential damage to the incision. Drops are used after surgery to prevent infection and inflammation in the eye. You will need to be seen in the early postoperative weeks and drops are continued in a tapering fashion over one month. Glasses are sometimes required after cataract surgery and are prescribed 2 to 3 weeks after the operation.
Work and Activities
Most people can return to work 1 week after surgery, drive, fly, play golf and exercise after 3 days, return to swimming after 2 weeks and recommence wearing eye make-up within 1 week.
When my husband had his cataract surgery last year, we always felt great confidence in Ms. McCreery and thanks to her and the professional team, Pat made a great recovery and has his quality of life back.
Bernadette Quinn