What is a cataract?
A cataract is clouding of the eye’s natural lens. It can cause blurred vision, glare and difficulty with activities such as reading or driving at night. An examination helps determine whether cataract, another eye condition or a combination of problems is affecting your sight.
When might surgery be considered?
The decision depends on your symptoms, eye health and daily activities. In the early stages, changes to glasses or lighting may help. Surgery may be considered when cataract affects the activities that matter to you, or when there is another clinical reason to remove the lens.
What does cataract surgery involve?
The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens. Before surgery, measurements help plan the procedure and select a lens. Dr Zhang will discuss the proposed treatment, anaesthesia and recovery with you.
Choosing a lens for your eyes
Lens choice takes account of your eye health, your visual needs and the possibility of needing glasses afterwards. Different options have different benefits and limitations; some involve trade-offs such as glare or halos. There is no single lens that is right for everyone, particularly when other eye conditions are present.
Cataract and glaucoma together
When both conditions are present, cataract and glaucoma treatment can be planned together. For some patients, a combined procedure may be appropriate. Others may benefit from separate treatment. The choice depends on the type and severity of glaucoma and the pressure control your eye needs.
Benefits, risks and recovery
Cataract surgery aims to improve vision affected by the cloudy lens. The result also depends on the health of the rest of the eye. Glasses may still be needed.
Risks include infection, bleeding, inflammation, retinal problems and changes in eye pressure; serious complications can cause lasting loss of vision. Your individual risks and alternatives should be discussed before deciding on surgery.
Recovery and restrictions vary. Follow the instructions provided by your treating team, including advice about drops, follow-up and returning to driving.