CONDITION
Cataract
A cataract is a common eye condition that affects the clarity of vision, where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making it difficult to see clearly. Cataracts often develop slowly and can impact one or both eyes. Cataract most commonly occur as a result of aging, but can also be caused by injury to the eye, some medications like steroids, medical conditions like diabetes, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
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Cataracts can lead to several vision problems, including blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to bright lights and glare. fading of colours and frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgical removal. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure. It is the most commonly performed procedure in the NHS, and is usually performed as a day case with no overbight hospital stay.
TREATMENT
Cataract Surgery
This involves the removal of the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This IOL helps to restore clear vision, and most patients do not need distance glasses after surgery.
Some patients may also choose to have blended monovision or multifocal lenses, where they can have almost total independence from distance and near glasses. Cataract surgery is highly successful, with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery. It helps improve the clarity of vision, enhance colour perception and night vision, and reduce glare and dependence on glasses or contact lenses.