Cataracts
What is a cataract?
Cataracts are cloudy patches in the lens (the transparent structure at the front of the eye) that can make vision blurry or misty. They can develop in one or both eyes, and one eye can often be more affected than the other.
What is the procedure?
Cataracts are treated by having surgery to remove the cloudy lens in your eye. In most cases, the natural lens is replaced with an artificial, clear plastic lens. This is called an intraocular implant or intraocular lens (IOL).
Just before the operation, drops to dilate your pupil will be put into your eye. You will also be given a local anaesthetic to prevent you feeling any pain during the procedure. This may be applied to your eye as drops, or as an injection in the tissue around the eye.
Most cataract operations are carried out as keyhole surgery, where a very small cut is made. While the operation is taking place, you won’t be able to feel anything and all you will be able to see is a bright light. You will not be able to see what is happening.
How long will it take?
The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes.
How long will you be in hospital?
You will probably be admitted as a day patient, which means you will not need to stay in hospital overnight.
Cost of treatment:
From £1,292
Treatment provided at:
Gillingham
North East London