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What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common age-related vision condition that clouds the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. This natural clouding process can also be influenced by factors such as genetics, injury, or certain medical conditions.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Recognising the symptoms is crucial for early detection and intervention. Common signs of cataracts include:

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Blurry or Cloudy Vision

Objects may appear hazy or less vivid.

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Sensitivity to Light

Increased sensitivity to glare or bright lights.

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Difficulty Seeing at Night

Impaired night vision and increased difficulty driving after dark.

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Frequent Changes in Prescription

Needing new eyeglass prescriptions more frequently.

Our Approach to Cataract Care

At OCL Vision, we understand cataracts’ impact on your daily life. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing personalised and compassionate care throughout your cataract journey.

Treatment Options

1. Cataract Surgery:

Our state-of-the-art cataract removal surgery involves removing and replacing the cloudy lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). This outpatient procedure is highly successful and minimally invasive, offering a rapid recovery.

2. Advanced Lens Options:

Tailor your vision with enhanced or advanced lens options to address astigmatism and reduce dependence on glasses.

For more details on the types of lenses used please visit our dedicated lens choice page.

cataract-surgery-consultation

What to expect from cataract surgery

Find out more about what to expect from cataract surgery, including preparation, the surgery itself and recovery.

1

Consultation

The cataract treatment process will begin with a consultation with your surgeon, typically 1-4 weeks before your surgery. During this meeting, your consultant will perform specialist diagnostic tests on your eye, and you’ll discuss your lens choice.

2

Preparing

We recommend taking at least two days off work for the surgery itself and recovery time (most people spend about 2.5 hours at the clinic on the day). We suggest bringing sunglasses for your journey home after surgery. Please don’t wear any eye make up.

You may want to bring someone along to help you get home after the surgery, as your vision will remain blurry for up to 72 hours afterwards. You should not drive immediately after surgery, so you should either arrange a lift from someone, use public transport or get a taxi home.

3

The procedure

When you arrive at the clinic before surgery, you’ll be given some eye drops to dilate your pupil. A nurse will then discuss aftercare with you so you can be confident in how best to look after your eye following surgery.

Then, you’ll be given more eye drops, this time a local anaesthetic to minimise pain during the procedure. The surgery typically only takes 10-15 minutes per eye to perform.

During the procedure, a small cut is made in the cornea, either using a surgical blade or a femtosecond laser. A hole is made in the capsule bag and the cataract broken up into tiny pieces to remove it. The new intraocular lens is then implanted through ultra-precise keyhole surgery. After surgery, you’ll be able to rest in our relaxation suite for 30-45 minutes.

4

Immediately after surgery

You’ll have your eyes checked a final time before you go home. You’ll also be given some eye drops and instructions about how often to use them and for how long. Your eyes will feel tired and gritty for the remainder of the day, so do stay at home and rest. Your vision will be slightly misty for up to 72 hours after surgery, but you may notice a dramatic improvement in your sight immediately.

5

Recovery

In the first couple of days post-surgery, you’re likely to experience some or all of the following:

  1. Hazy vision; this is because your pupil will remain dilated for up to 48 hours after surgery
  2. Sensitivity to light; again, this is due to your dilated pupils
  3. Haloes around light; this will normally settle before long
  4. A gritty sensation, similar to the feeling of having a grain of sand stuck in the eye. You should not feel severe pain
  5. A mild ache in your eye
  6. Pinkish colouring to your eye, or possibly some bright red localised bruising, which is more likely if you’re taking aspirin or warfarin

Your pupil will return to its normal size after about two days, which will dramatically improve your overall vision.

Cataract surgery has extremely high success rates. At OCL Vision, we have serious complication rates lower than 0.2% and an infection rate of 0% due to our high standards of care and the fact that a consultant always performs surgery.

Find out more about what happens after cataract surgery and which symptoms aren’t normal.

Why Choose OCL Vision for Cataract Care?

Expertise: Our skilled ophthalmologists have extensive experience in cataract diagnosis and surgical interventions.

Cutting-Edge Technology: We utilise the latest diagnostic tools and surgical techniques for precise and efficient cataract care.

Patient-Centric Approach: Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. We ensure you are well informed and supported at every step of your journey.

Cataract Surgery at OCL Vision

What is the Cost of Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery
Monofocal

  • Surgery
  • Eye drops & reminder app
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Free consultation
From
£2,600
per eye
Indicative Finance From
£48 p/m
per eye
See finance options Get a quote

Cataract Surgery
Enhanced

  • Surgery
  • Eye drops & reminder app
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Free consultation
From
£3,295
per eye
Indicative Finance From
£61 p/m
per eye
See finance options Get a quote

Cataract Surgery
Advanced

  • Surgery
  • Eye drops & reminder app
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Free consultation
From
£3,895
per eye
Indicative Finance From
£72 p/m
per eye
See finance options Get a quote

Sedation

  • If sedation is required, this can be discussed during your consultation
Total Cost
£300 - £500

*Toric or lenses outside of usual range will result in a higher price.

For details on our monthly payment plans please visit our finance page

Why should you wait until you’re 18-21 for laser eye surgery

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Ready to see the world with newfound clarity? Schedule a consultation with our cataract eye specialists at OCL Vision.

Book Your Free Consultation

Cataract surgery: ask the surgeons

Cataract surgery FAQs

We understand that you may have questions about undertaking cataract surgery. Here we answer some of the most common questions. If you have further queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0203 369 2020.

What are the different types of cataract?

There are three main types of cataract, dependent on which layer of the lens the cataract affects. The three main types are cortical, nuclear and po.sterior sub-capsular

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What can you expect after cataract surgery?

In the two days after cataract surgery, you may find that your vision is hazy. This will lessen as your pupil returns to its normal size. You may also feel that your eye is gritty, but this should soon fade. If you experience severe pain, contact your surgeon immediately.

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How is a cataract operation performed?

Cataract surgery is performed by making a small cut in the cornea to remove the cloudy lens. A new, artificial lens is then inserted.

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What are the benefits of cataract surgery?

After your cataract procedure, you will have clear vision, meaning you will be able to see in focus, be able to tell the difference between colours and reduce the impact of glare. Cataract eye surgery can completely change your life, restoring your confidence.

Our eye clinic London locations

If you’re considering private cataract surgery, you can visit us for a consultation at various locations in London and Hertfordshire. Our central London clinic is just off Harley Street at 55 New Cavendish Street, and our Hertfordshire clinic is in Elstree, close to Borehamwood. We also have a clinic in Kensington , West London.

Locations
new cavendish place

Last updated on March 13th, 2024 by Ms Laura De Benito