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What are 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.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts often develop naturally as we age. Over time, the proteins in the eye’s lens can begin to break down and build up, causing cloudy patches that make it harder to see clearly. This gradual change is the most common cause, but other factors may also increase your risk.
These can include long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, smoking, diabetes, the use of certain medications like steroids, or previous eye injuries or surgery. In rare cases, cataracts can be present from birth.
At Optegra, we regularly see patients who are affected by age-related cataracts, as well as those caused by other medical or lifestyle factors. The good news is that cataracts are highly treatable. Our experienced consultants offer expert diagnosis and advanced cataract surgery designed to restore your vision safely and effectively. If you’re concerned about your sight, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Symptoms of Cataracts
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.
What Does Vision Look Like With Cataracts?
Cataracts can make your vision feel cloudy, blurred or dim – often compared to looking through frosted or misted-up glass. You might notice that your eyesight becomes less sharp, colours appear faded, or glare from bright lights becomes more intense.
At first, these changes can feel like a minor nuisance. But over time, cataracts can significantly affect your day-to-day life, making it harder to read, drive or recognise faces. If left untreated, they can lead to severe vision loss.
The good news is cataracts are treatable. At Optegra, our expert consultants are here to help restore your vision safely and effectively, so you can get back to living life clearly.
How are Cataracts Treated?
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.
Cataract Treatment Pricing
Standard Cataract Treatment
Cataract surgery with monofocal lens
Enhanced Cataract Treatment
Cataract & astigmatism treatment with a toric lens
Advanced Cataract Treatment
The most advanced cataract surgery using a multifocal lens
Cataract FAQs
Cataracts are usually diagnosed during a routine eye examination by your optician, who may then refer you to an eye specialist for treatment.
No, cataracts cannot reverse or clear on their own. The only way to restore clear vision is through cataract surgery.
It is not the case that a cataract should always be removed simply because it is present. For many people, a cataract will have no real impact on day-to-day life, and in such cases, it is not recommended to have a cataract operation unless the impact on vision worsens.
Unlike laser eye surgery, cataract removal is not an elective procedure and should only be carried out if deemed necessary by you and your surgeon. For example, if reading or driving have become difficult, and quality of life is impaired, these are all reasons for considering having cataract surgery.
Cataracts cannot spread from one eye to another; however they do tend to develop in both eyes around the same time asymmetrically. It is possible to suffer from cataracts in just one eye.
Why Choose Optegra For Private Cataract Treatment?
Optegra is a great place to come for cataract surgery because we combine therapeutic procedure with a refractive procedure to restore vision but also impart spectacular independence.Mr Amir Hamid
Chief Medical Officer & Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
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