Most adults will develop some degree of cataract with age. Symptoms include blurry/cloudy vision, colours looking faded or washed out, or seeing halos around bright lights. You may find your glasses aren’t as effective as they used to be, and have trouble with reading, watching television, or driving (especially at night).
About 30% of adults aged 65+ will have a cataract that is affecting their vision and requires treatment. The only reliable treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery – a quick and straightforward procedure that usually takes around 20 minutes to complete. Most patients describe it as painless, though some may experience mild sensations such as pushing and pressure during surgery. Cataract surgery has a 99% success rate and is currently the most common operation performed in the UK today, with hundreds of thousands of surgeries performed every year.
Most people qualify for NHS cataract treatment and find that it helps to improve their eyesight and their quality of life.
Whether you’re a patient in need of cataract surgery, or a relative/family friend looking for more information about cataract treatment, our Cataract Patient Journey provides a step-by-step guide to every stage of treatment, so you know exactly what to expect along the way.
Most cataracts are age-related. As people grow older, the proteins in the lens of their eye can start to break down, which results in the lens becoming cloudy. Over time, this clouding leads to the symptoms commonly associated with cataracts. Around 30% of adults over the age of 65 will have a cataract that affects their vision and requires cataract surgery – so you’re not alone!
Certain lifestyle factors such as UV exposure, smoking and certain medical conditions like diabetes are associated with an increased risk of developing cataracts. Some medications are also associated with developing cataract, particularly steroid medication.
Legal eyesight standards for driving means you must be able to read a car registration plate at a distance of 20 meters. It is crucial to remember that all patients should not drive until they meet this legal driving standard, whether it is before, during or after cataract surgery.
Before surgery, if your cataract is affecting your ability to see clearly, especially in bright light, at night, or when reading road signs, you may no longer meet this standard and should stop driving. Your optometrist or eye specialist can advise whether it is still safe for you to drive before your operation.
After surgery, your vision may change and you may need new glasses before it is safe to drive again.
We take pride in consistently delivering the highest quality care across all our hospitals. Find your nearest one.
You may be right at the beginning of your patient journey and still waiting for a diagnosis, or somewhere in the middle. With this in mind, we’ve put together all the information you’ll need along the way.
Everyone should visit their optician for a check-up once every two years, but if you’ve noticed any changes to your vision, it’s important to book an appointment as soon as possible so they can investigate the cause and refer you for treatment if necessary. Click here to search for an optician near you on the NHS website.
If you have chosen SpaMedica as your treatment provider and are having difficulty getting a cataract treatment appointment at one of our hospitals, please contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) to let them know. Click here to visit the NHS website for more information about ICBs and how to find and contact your local ICB.
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