Cataracts are the most common vision impairment in the world and happens to most of us

A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to a decrease in vision

Cataracts are the most common vision impairment in the world and happens to most of us

A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to a decrease in vision
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A cataract is clouding of the lens in your eye that progressively affects your eyesight

If you’d like to know the ins and outs of cataracts we have all the information you need below

Cataract incidence / prevalence

A cataract is clouding of the lens in your eye that may affect your eyesight.

Symptoms include:

  • Worsening of vision which may appear cloudy, fuzzy or misty
  • Difficult reading
  • Glares and halos from light
  • Difficulty driving at night
  • Double vision
  • Frequent changes in prescription as eyesight worsens

It is not known why age-related cataracts develop, but there are certain factors which increase your chances of developing them:

  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Medications – such as long term use of steroids
  • Exposure to ultraviolet light from sunlight (use of sunglasses which block out UVA and UVB rays may help prevent this)
  • Family history of cataracts

Your optometrist may mention that you are developing cataracts as part of your regular examination with them. They will use a special microscope (slit lamp) to examine your eyes. They may occasionally instil a drop into your eye to enlarge your pupil. This will cause your vision to be temporarily blurred but will allow them to examine your natural lens for cataract development.

If the cataracts are beginning to affect you, your optometrist will refer you to me. I will confirm you have cataracts
and then we can have a discussion regarding what we can do to improve your eyesight.

Cataracts are likely to worsen over time, and so at some point, it may be appropriate to consider surgery. Essentially, this means surgically removing the cataract and replacing your cloudy lens with an artificial one.

I can use different types of artificial lenses to replace your cataract. These include:

  • Single vision lenses (monofocal) – These are generally used to improve your distance vision, but you will require spectacles to help you see things close up, such as when reading. “Mono-vision” is a technique whereby one eye is provided with distance vision, the other eye for reading.
  • Extended depth of focus lenses (EDOF) – Used to provide improved intermediate vision such as working at the computer.
  • Multifocal lenses – Used to provide the widest “range” to the vision for distance, intermediate and near activities.

I must discuss the potential options with you to provide you with the most appropriate solution that will achieve your goals.

How long is the hospital stay?

Most cases can be done as a day case procedure, allowing you to go home on the day of surgery.

How long is the recovery period?

Within the first week, much of the visual improvement from surgery has already been obtained. The vision may alter slightly over the next four weeks or so, but there is little change after this. For most people, a return to full activity is possible within two weeks of surgery. Still, it is important to discuss this with your surgeon. You will likely have to change your spectacles.

What are the dos and don’ts after surgery?

After cataract surgery, you should avoid rubbing your eyes. With modern surgery techniques, bending over, and heavy lifting are not strictly forbidden anymore. Wash your hair with care, making sure that the water does not go into the eye.

Discover why you shouldn’t delay cataract treatment

In this video, I explain what a cataract is and why you should pursue treatment as soon as possible

Don’t wait for cataract treatment

Beat the cataract waiting lists in 3 easy steps

Step 1: Get in touch

Waiting for treatment is frustrating. I can help you avoid the long waiting lists and start living with better vision today. The first step is to give our friendly team a call on 07399 311938 or book an appointment online now.

Step 2: We’ll meet

At your appointment, I’ll answer your questions and give you a personalised recommendation based on your needs and lifestyle.

Step 3: Start living

I’ll be with you every step of the way as you move forward with your life with better vision.

Fix your cataracts AND read again without glasses or contacts?

Many people have cataract surgery without knowing they have different options. Book a free video appointment today, and I’ll show you how you can both beat the cataract queues AND read again without glasses

We help 2 types of people looking for cataract treatment

Which of these two options below sounds more like you?

You have cataracts

Your glasses served you well up until the arrival of cataracts. Now you’d simply like to be rid of your cataracts so you can enjoy clear vision again.

I can help you.

Book a free video appointment today and I’ll help you restore your vision so you can resume life with your favourite pair of glasses.

You have cataracts AND find glasses an inconvenience

You’ve put up with the hassle of glasses but now you have cataracts to contend with.

I can help you.

Book a free video appointment today and I’ll show you a treatment option that not only treats cataracts but eliminates your dependence on glasses too!

My patients across Northwest England and North Wales are thrilled to reclaim their lives after cataracts

Hear how they stopped waiting and started living again

My answers to the most frequently asked questions about cataract surgery

Learn everything you want to know about cataract surgery so you can feel comfortable booking an appointment

Avoid missing out on the best type of cataract surgery for you by knowing all your options

Many people have cataract surgery without knowing they have a choice. Take this 2 min quiz to ensure you don’t miss out by choosing the best cataract procedure for your lifestyle

Links to authoritative resources about cataract surgery

Follow the links below for more information on premium cataract surgery

Benefits of Toric IOLs in premium cataract surgery. Click here to know more information.

Enhancements after premium IOL cataract surgery: Tips, Tricks, and Outcomes. Click here to know more information.

Patient satisfaction after premium cataract surgery. Click here to know more information.

A portrait of Dan Nguyen, the Consultant Eye Surgeon at Dan Nguyen Ophthalmologist

Mr Dan Nguyen

MBChB MBA FRCOphth FRANZCO
Consultant Eye Surgeon

Hello, I’m Dan Nguyen!

I‘m your guide to better vision. In times when long waiting lists and unclear options are the norm, it’s easy to feel stuck and worried about your eye health. Don’t let that hold you back. I’m here to show you that you can skip the endless queues and make real progress. Remember, you’re unique, not just another name on a list. Every patient I see receives top-notch care, tailored to their specific needs and lifestyle. Once you’ve had your treatment, you’ll be able to embrace a life that’s vivid, colourful, and just the way you like it. So what are you waiting for? Stop waiting and start living!

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