Cataract is clouding of the clear lens in the eye. The lens in the eye is like a camera lens that focuses light in order for us to see. Cataract development represents a normal part of ageing but other causes include previous eye injury or surgery, diabetes, inflammation and steroid use.

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Symptoms

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Cataracts can present with a range of symptoms including:

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• Cloudiness of vision

• Decreased brightness of colours

• Glare from bright lights

• Frequent change in glasses prescription​

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Treatment

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Cataracts are treated by surgery to remove the cloudy lens. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the UK. It has a very low complication rate, with about a 1 in 1000 risk of a severe complication, such as infection or bleeding, that can cause loss of vision. The cataract is broken up and aspirated by a vibrating probe (phacoemulsification), and is replaced by an artificial lens to focus your vision. The surgery is usually performed through a small corneal incision that seals without stitches.

 

Dr Yu-Wai-Man specialises in injection-free no-stitch cataract surgery. The surgery is performed as a day case surgery under topical anaesthesia (eye drops). You do not usually need to have your eye patched after the surgery and you can go back to your usual activities soon after the surgery. Different types of artificial lenses can also be inserted depending on the prescription of your glasses and your personal preferences.

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Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeries

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If you have both cataracts and glaucoma, Dr Yu-Wai-Man can perform cataract surgery combined with another surgical procedure, such as endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) or iStent inject, to improve your vision and to lower your eye pressure.

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Combined cataract surgery and trabeculectomy is usually avoided as there is a higher risk of long-term failure due to scarring compared to performing the surgeries separately. Cataract surgery in eyes with previous trabeculectomy is also associated with a higher risk of the trabeculectomy failing and the patient might need to have further interventions, such as needling of the trabeculectomy bleb and injection of anti-scarring drugs.

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If you would like to discuss cataract surgery and your vision needs in more detail, please arrange a consultation with Dr Yu-Wai-Man by clicking here.