What it is
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens that usually develops with age. When it begins to interfere with daily activities, the clouded lens can be removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The evaluation establishes whether surgery is appropriate and when.
When you might need it
- Vision that has gradually become hazy or foggy
- Glare or halos around lights, particularly while driving at night
- Spectacle power changing more often than before
- Colours appearing dull or washed out
What happens during your visit
A dilated examination confirms the cataract and its stage, and measurements are taken to plan the lens. If surgery is advised, the lens options, what the procedure involves, the costs and the recovery period are explained before you decide. Surgery is done under local anaesthesia and you go home the same day.
Aftercare
Eye drops are prescribed for several weeks. Avoid rubbing the eye, dusty surroundings and swimming until the doctor clears you, and attend the scheduled review visits. Vision improves gradually, and how much it improves varies from person to person.