What is Cataracts?
What is Cataracts?
What is Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding or opacity of the lens inside the eye.
When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy and prevents any light from passing through.
There are different kinds of cataract: congenital (present at birth), drug-induced (from steroids), and traumatic (resulting from an injury to the eye).
There is a clear link between certain diseases, like diabetes, and the development of cataracts. Most cataracts are age-related and tend to develop in later life, typically occurring after the age of 40.
As part of the normal aging process, the lens gradually becomes cloudy. However, children can also develop cataracts, although this is rare. In more severe cases, an eye surgery procedure may be necessary to restore vision, and there are various lens implant options available to consider during this process.
Signs & Symptoms
What is Cataracts?
What is Cataracts?
Cataracts can develop slowly over several years, leading to a gradual blurring of vision that glasses correction cannot address.
Occasionally, however, vision may deteriorate rapidly. Cataracts can also cause glare, difficulty when driving at night, and multiple images appearing in one eye.
They do not spread from eye to eye; rather, they may develop in both eyes simultaneously.
Initially, you might not be aware of a cataract forming, as it may not affect your vision.
Eyes with cataracts can appear normal, but in advanced stages, your pupil (the black part of the eye) may look cloudy or white.
When vision impairment occurs, an eye surgery procedure may be necessary, and various lens implant options are available to help restore clear sight.
Treatment
What is Cataracts?
Treatment
In most cases, cataracts are harmless and can be left alone, referred to as ‘early’ cataracts. However, when the cataract progresses enough to interfere with vision, an eye surgery procedure becomes necessary, with surgery being the next step.
While there is no known method to prevent cataracts from developing, modern eye surgery procedures have proven highly successful for the majority of patients, though as with all surgeries, there are risks involved. We do not operate on both eyes simultaneously; this is typically done over a 4-week period as follows:
· Week 1: First Eye Procedure
· Week 2: Post-operative Follow-up
· Week 3: Second Eye Procedure
· Week 4: Second Post-operative Follow-up
Before surgery, we will conduct a Biometry test for the lens calculations to determine the appropriate lens implant options. If you wear contact lenses, it is essential to leave them out for 2 weeks prior to this test, as they can give a false reading.
Operation Procedure
Operation Procedure
Operation Procedure
You will be lying flat, with a sheet draped over the area to be treated for the eye surgery procedure.
You won’t see the operation at all, so please try to keep as still as possible. This eye surgery procedure is called Phacoemulsification, commonly shortened to 'Phaco.' It utilizes ultrasound technology to soften the lens, which is then shattered and flushed out with special fluids. Following this, a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular implant or IOL, made from a plastic-like material, is unfurled and inserted.
The entire process is incredibly quick, resulting in a very small wound. Occasionally, very fine stitches are necessary to close the incision.
This procedure is performed in Day Surgery, meaning you will be discharged from the hospital just a few hours after undergoing your lens implant options.
Before surgery
Operation Procedure
Operation Procedure
The majority of patients undergo cataract surgery, a common eye surgery procedure, using local anaesthetic, which makes your eye completely numb while you remain awake.
However, if you prefer a general anaesthetic, you will need to be pre-assessed by the General Hospital to ensure you are fit for the procedure.
If sedation is your choice, pre-assessment is not required, but you will need to fast before your surgery.
Additionally, during cataract surgery, various lens implant options are available to enhance your vision.
Post-op medication
Operation Procedure
Post-op medication
Before leaving the hospital after your eye surgery procedure, you will receive post-operative eye drops to start using the morning following your procedure.
These drops will include Chloramphenicol and Dexamethasone, both of which should be administered four times daily at regular intervals for two weeks, ensuring that they are taken at least five minutes apart from each other.
Following this initial period, the drops will continue for an additional two weeks, taken twice daily in the same manner.
It's essential to properly follow this regimen, especially when considering lens implant options.
Aftercare (Day 1)
Aftercare (Day 1)
Post-op medication
After your eye surgery procedure, your eye will be covered in a clear protective shield, and we advise that you wear this to protect the eye at night while sleeping.
Once the anaesthetic wears off, you may experience a dull ache or sharp pain in and around the eye.
Your eye will also likely be red and watery, and you may notice blurred vision. We recommend using over-the-counter pain relief when you get home.
It can take a few weeks for the eye to settle, during which time it may feel ‘gritty’ for a few months as you adjust to your lens implant options. You will receive drops to administer, and nurses will guide you on how to use these properly.
Please avoid rubbing or touching your eye for 2 weeks post-op.
Aftercare (Day 2)
Aftercare (Day 1)
Aftercare (Day 2)
You may be sensitive to light after your eye surgery procedure, so please wear sunglasses in this instance.
Please avoid getting water in your eyes for 2 weeks following your procedures, as it is not sterile, and refrain from heavy lifting for about a week. You can return to work within a few days.
We will arrange for a post-operative follow-up appointment about a week after your eye surgery procedure to ensure your eye is healing correctly.
You may consult your optician for new glasses or lens implant options approximately 4-6 weeks after the operation.
You will be able to drive again once you have seen Mr. Spiteri for your post-operative check-up a week after your procedure.