Page Contents

• What is a cataract?
• Do I need to have a cataract operation?
• Why choose Moorfields Private?
• Before your cataract treatment
• During eye cataract surgery
• Laser cataract surgery
• After cataract surgery
• The benefits of cataract surgery
• How much does cataract surgery cost?
• What causes cataracts?
• Can cataracts come back?
• More information

What is a cataract?

A cataract is clouding or opacity of the lens inside the eye. It causes gradual blurring of vision and often glare. In a normal eye this lens is clear. It helps focus light rays onto the back of the eye (the retina), which sends messages to the brain allowing us to see. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy and prevents the light rays from passing onto the retina. The picture the retina receives becomes dull and fuzzy. A cataract usually forms slowly and most people experience a gradual blurring of vision.

Do I need to have a cataract operation?

Unfortunately, the cataract symptoms usually worsen over time and there are no medicines that are able to improve or slow down the effects of cataracts. If your cataract is mild, you can choose to avoid having cataract eye surgery and instead monitor it with regular check—ups. When the cataract progresses to the point that it is interfering with daily activities or lifestyle, even when using up-to-date glasses, then cataract surgery may be the next step. Modern surgery is highly successful for the majority of patients but, as with all surgery, there are cataract surgery risks which your consultant will discuss with you.

Why choose Moorfields Private?

Moorfields Private has a worldwide reputation for providing the highest quality treatment and care for patients seeking private cataract-surgery. All our surgeons hold accredited consultant positions at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, working at the very top of their profession. We pride ourselves on offering a service with complete continuity. At each visit, you will see the consultant surgeon of your choice who will supervise every aspect of our care from start to finish.

Before your cataract treatment

During your initial consultation, you will undergo eye tests and an optometrist will assess your eye prescription. A full medical history will also be taken to ensure you are suitable for treatment. Your consultant will discuss your lens preference with you, as well as informing you of any potential cataract surgery complications and agreeing on a personalised care plan. If you are happy to proceed, an appointment will then be booked for you, following a “cooling off’ period.

During eye cataract surgery

The most common cataracts treatment is a refractive lens exchange operation to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial replacement. This treatment is quick, taking between 30-60 minutes, and can greatly improve vision. Anaesthetising eye drops combined with mild sedatives will be administered to make the procedure as painless as possible.

Laser cataract surgery

If you decide with your consultant surgeon to have laser cataract surgery (also know as femto-phako) your consultant will use femtosecond laser and ultrasound to soften the lens. This is then emulsified and the cataract removal is performed using fine instruments. A clear artificial lens (intraocular lens implant or IOL), made of a plastic-like material, is placed inside the eye. This implantable contact lens is soft, flexible and is implanted between the natural lens and the iris. The back membrane of the lens (capsule) is left behind and this holds the artificial lens in place. At Moorfields Private, we use Visian Implantable Collamer lenses (ICL) and Artisan Intraocular lenses (IOL). Your consultant will be able to advise you on the mot suitable option for you, but all ICLs offer the benefit of treatment for a wide range of eye prescriptions, UV protection and comfort, as you will not be able to see or feel the lens after implantation. The wound from the procedure is very small and most patients do not require stitches, although rarely very fine stitches are sometimes needed to close the wound safely.

For further information about our laser cataract consultant surgeons

After cataract surgery

You will be given instructions for your cataract surgery aftercare following your operation, including information regarding follow-up appointments. Cataract surgery recovery times are different for every person. Usually, there is a fairly quick recovery time for cataract surgery, approximately 3-4 days. During your cataract surgery recovery, it is normal for your vision to take a few days to improve. Your eyes may additionally be sore, scratchy and light sensitive during this period. You will have both antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to help with your cataract operation recovery, typically starting the day after surgery. Cataract surgery is performed on a day-care basis. This means you are admitted to hospital, have your operation and are discharged home all in the same day. Therefore, you should be able to return to work a few days after your operation, depending on your occupation. If you perform a job that is physically demanding, you may require a longer period of recovery. Your consultant will advise you appropriately. When it comes to cataracts and driving, you can drive after your operation once you vision meets the DVLA requirements. This normally takes 3-4 days. The DVLA standard is reading a number plate with both eyes open at 20.5 meters (approximately 25 strides). Your consultant can advise you at your follow-up appointment if your vision meets this standard.

The benefits of cataract surgery

Following surgery, you should be able to: - See things in focus -Look at lights without experiencing glare -Tell the difference between colours more easily If you need glasses after cataract surgery, your consultant will advise you to wait a few weeks after the operation before seeing your local optician to ensure the prescription has stabilized. Temporary off-the-shelf reading glasses generally work very well after cataract surgery.

How much does cataract surgery cost?

Fees for your initial consultation are charged at £220. Once you have agreed a personalised plan with your consultant, the full costs of onward treatment per eye will be £3040, which includes a standard lens and one post-operative appointment. To find out more, please visit our dedicated cataract surgery cost page.

What causes cataracts?

Most forms of cataract develop in adult life. The normal process of ageing causes the lens to harden and become cloudy. This is called an age-related cataract and it is the most common type. It can occur at any time after the age of 40. Although most cataracts are age-related, there are other types, including congenital (present at birth), drug induced (steroids), and traumatic (injury to the eye). Cataracts are also more common in people who have certain diseases such as diabetes.

Can cataracts come back?

Once the cloudy (cataractous) lens has been removed as part of cataract surgery, it doesn’t come back. However, the thin membrane behind the new lens implant (posterior capsule) may become opaque during the first few months of years after cataract surgery. This creates a filter-effect and can cause your vision to deteriorate. A simple laser treatment (YAG laser capsulotomy) can be performed in the out-patient clinic to clear this membrane and restore clear vision. Approximately 1 in 5 (20%) patients may benefit from YAG laser capsulotomy after cataract surgery. Your consultant will discuss whether this treatment is suitable for you.

More information

• What to expect when you have treatment for cataracts
• When should I have cataract surgery?
• What will my eyesight be like after cataract surgery?
• What to consider when choosing a private eye hospital