Questions to Ask

‘Cataract’ is the name given to the cloudy obstruction that forms in the eye’s lens as we get older. These visual obstructions are a natural part of the ageing process, however, they require treatment to prevent serious vision loss.

Cataracts often appear in both eyes, though they won’t necessarily develop at the same rate or even become noticeable at the same time.

For more information on what cataracts are and how they affect your eyes, click here.

Cataract Surgery is the only effective treatment option for cataracts. While you may not require surgery right away (cataracts can take years to significantly affect your vision), if treatment is put off for too long, cataracts can become “hyper-mature” which can eventually lead to blindness.

For more information regarding waiting for Cataract Surgery, click here.

Cataract Surgery is the most commonly performed elective procedure in the UK. As such, it has excellent success rates. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks and side effects that you should be aware of prior to the procedure.

Some complications that can occur in rare cases include retinal detachment, glaucoma, and retention of the cataract. It is common to experience mild discomfort, watery eyes and grittiness in the days following your procedure, however, these tend to be mild and resolve within a few days to weeks.

For more information about the potential complications and side effects of Cataract Surgery, click here.

Cataract Surgery has an extremely high success rate, thanks to the routine nature and relative simplicity of the procedure. Some estimates suggest that the success rate for Cataract Surgery is between 95% and 99%.

There are some factors which may affect the outcomes of Cataract Surgery, including age and the maturity of the cataract.

For more information about factors that may affect visual outcomes following Cataract Surgery, click here.

Cataract Surgery is the only solution to cataracts and the vision impairment that they can cause. Once the cataract has been removed and the clouded lens has been replaced with a clear, artificial one, blurriness and visual acuity should be improved significantly.

It is estimated that over 90% of cataract patients will achieve a best-corrected visual acuity of 6/18 or better.

For more information on what to expect after Cataract Surgery, click here.

Your visual acuity after Cataract Surgery will depend on a number of factors, including existing refractive errors and the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used in your procedure.

When monofocal lenses are used (as for NHS Cataract Surgery), patients with an existing refractive error such as long-sightedness, short-sightedness, or astigmatism, will still need glasses or contact lenses for best-adjusted Visual Acuity. However, a range of premium IOLs can correct these errors.

For more information about glasses after Cataract Surgery, click here.

What are the different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) available, and which one would be most suitable for me?

There are two main types of intraocular lens (IOL): monofocal (correcting vision for a single distance only) and premium lenses which correct vision for multiple distances. These can be toric (correct astigmatism) or non-toric.

Cataract Surgery on the NHS uses monofocal lenses which are generally non-toric. This results in increased dependence on glasses post-op

The right IOL will be specially selected for you depending on any existing refractive errors as well as the size and shape of your eyes.

For more information on the different types of intraocular lenses, click here.

Before you are referred for Cataract Surgery, a number of tests will be performed by your optometrist to confirm that you have a cataract and that you are suitable for treatment. These may include:

• Visual acuity test
• Slit-lamp examination
• Retinal exam
• Applanation tonometry

These tests will help to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

For more information on what to expect before Cataract Surgery, click here.

Following Cataract Surgery, your treated eye is more vulnerable to infection. For this reason, it is advised that you refrain from activities that could expose your eyes to dust, debris, and other potentially harmful objects.

Your surgeon will advise you to refrain from carrying out certain activities for a short time during your recovery.

For more information on activities to avoid after Cataract Surgery, click here.

Prior to your Cataract Surgery, your surgeon will walk you through any precautionary measures you need to take. These may include removing contact lenses a few days before the procedure and making the relevant preparations for your recovery.

You should also make your doctor aware of any medications you are using so they can advise on whether you should stop taking them during the treatment. Following surgery, your surgeon will inform you of any changes you will need to make to aid your recovery.

To learn more about Cataract Surgery and lifestyle changes, click here.

Cataract Surgery is a minor procedure so you will be able to return home on the same day. While your vision may return within a matter of days, your recovery can take a number of weeks.

During this time, it is important to follow the recovery advice given by your surgeon. This will include avoiding exercise and other strenuous activities among other things.

For more information about your recovery after Cataract Surgery, click here.

Cataract Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts and can significantly improve your vision. It is estimated that over 95% of procedures are completed without any significant complications.

However, there are some factors, such as ocular and systemic comorbidities, that may affect the outcome of your treatment. The potential benefits and risks will differ from patient to patient. Nonetheless, Cataract Surgery is considered a safe and effective routine procedure.

For more information regarding the factors which may affect the outcome of your treatment, click here.

All patients who have Cataract Surgery at London Vision Clinic will be asked to attend follow-up appointments after their procedure. This is to ensure that your surgery went as well as possible and to keep track of your recovery. These visits also give you the opportunity to voice any concerns you may have and clarify the details of your recovery medication regime.

While uncommon, it is possible that you will need additional treatment after your initial Cataract Surgery. This is most likely to happen if you develop Posterior Capsule Opacification.

For more information on additional treatment after Cataract Surgery, click here.

The cost of cataract surgery can vary substantially across the UK. While the treatment is offered by the NHS for cases where cataracts cause significant impairment to vision and quality of life, many patients opt to attend a private clinic where they have more control over when they have the procedure and more options when it comes to intraocular lenses.

The cost of Cataract Surgery at London Vision Clinic includes pre-operative evaluations and post-operative care in addition to the procedure itself and your recovery medication. Many health insurance providers cover the cost of Cataract Surgery; however, it is important to check the details of your policy with your provider.

For more information regarding private vs NHS Cataract Surgery, click here.

Our team of surgeons offer world-class expertise in Cataract Surgery to ensure the best possible care and outcomes. Each of our expert surgeons has been hand-picked for their expertise and enthusiasm for going the extra mile for all our patients.

This allows us to offer personalised, high-quality treatment for each and every patient. Our success rate for Cataract Surgery is among the best in the country (and the world), thanks to the knowledge of our surgical team and our access to the most up-to-date technology.

For more information about what makes Cataract Surgery at London Vision Clinic as effective as possible, click here.

We are proud and grateful that our patients are happy enough with our care at London Vision Clinic that we have now received thousands of 5-star reviews across all our available treatments – including Cataract Surgery. For example, Nadya, who had Cataract Surgery with Mr Alistair Stewart at London Vision Clinic in 2021, had this to say:

“Mr Alistair Stewart operated on me and he was so caring and made me feel totally at ease during the procedure. Even though I was due to see him the day after surgery, he even contacted me the afternoon of my surgery to see how I was doing.

“I felt so cared for. The aftercare has also been exceptional with regular check ups during the first year after surgery. Definitely recommend this clinic.”

To see more of our patient reviews for Cataract Surgery, view our TrustPilot page here.