Cataracts

Cataracts are a common eye condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes gradually cloudy over time, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. This process is usually age-related, although cataracts can also develop due to other factors such as injury or underlying health conditions.

The lens sits just behind the iris and pupil and plays a key role in helping you see clearly by focusing light onto the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes clouded by a cataract, light cannot pass through properly, which causes vision to become less sharp and more difficult in everyday situations.

Although cataracts are painless, they can significantly affect your quality of life. At Optegra, we offer advanced cataract surgery that restores clear vision and can reduce your reliance on glasses. In many cases, patients no longer need glasses at all following treatment.

What Are The 3 Types of Cataracts?

There are three main types of cataracts, each affecting a different part of the eye’s natural lens:

Cortical cataracts develop in the outer edge of the lens, called the cortex. They often appear as white, wedge-shaped streaks that gradually move towards the centre of the lens, affecting how light passes through.

Nuclear cataracts form in the centre of the lens (the nucleus) and are most commonly linked to ageing. This type of cataract usually causes gradual vision changes, such as difficulty seeing clearly or needing stronger glasses more often.

Subcapsular cataracts appear at the back of the lens and can interfere with reading or seeing in bright light. People taking high doses of steroid medication or living with certain medical conditions may be more likely to develop this type.

If you’ve been diagnosed with any type of cataract, rest assured that Optegra’s expert consultants are here to guide you through your options and help restore clearer vision with trusted, effective treatment.

Cataracts can develop slowly, and many people do not realise there is a problem until their vision begins to noticeably change. In the early stages, the clouding may only affect a small part of the lens, making symptoms easy to miss. However, as the cataract grows, vision problems tend to become more noticeable.

While symptoms can vary from person to person, common signs of cataracts include:

• Cloudy or blurred vision
• Colours looking faded or less vibrant
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in low light
• Sensitivity to bright lights, including glare from headlights
• Double vision in one eye
• Frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your optician or eye specialist.

The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. This straightforward procedure involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL). At Optegra, cataract surgery is carried out by highly experienced consultants using advanced microsurgical techniques in our purpose-built eye hospitals.

The treatment is quick, virtually painless and usually completed as a day case, meaning you can go home the same day. You’ll receive anaesthetic eye drops to numb the area, and most patients notice an improvement in their vision within just a few days.

We offer both NHS and private cataract treatment options. Private patients can also choose from a range of premium lenses designed to reduce or even remove the need for glasses after surgery. Whether you’re seeking faster access or advanced vision correction, your Optegra consultant will guide you through the best option for your needs.