020 3993 1279Cataracts
Restore your vision with affordable cataract surgery from £54/month
Cataracts are a common eye condition characterised by the clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. This clouding occurs due to the clumping of proteins within the lens, which obstructs light from passing through to the retina.
Book a ConsultationCataracts are a common eye condition characterised by the clouding of the natural lens inside the eye.
This visual complication often develops with age, affecting about 60% of the population by their 60s.
Learn everything you need to know about cataracts, including their symptoms, causes, types, prevention strategies, and available treatment options.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are a common eye condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to impaired vision.
This clouding occurs due to the clumping of proteins within the lens, which obstructs light from passing through to the retina.
Cataracts typically develop gradually and are often associated with aging, though they can also result from factors such as eye injury, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms associated with cataracts?
Recognising the symptoms of cataracts early can help in seeking timely treatment. Common symptoms include:
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Blurry vision
A gradual increase in blurry or cloudy vision, making it difficult to see clearly.
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Difficulty seeing at night
Reduced night vision, often accompanied by glare or halos around lights.
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Sensitivity to light
Increased sensitivity to bright lights and glare.
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Seeing halos around lights
Noticeable halos or rings around lights, especially at night.
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Fading or yellowing of colours
Colours may appear faded, yellowed, or less vibrant.
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Frequent prescription changes
The need for frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult an eye specialist to determine if cataracts are the cause and discuss potential treatment options.
Types of Cataracts
There are three main types of cataracts, each affecting a different layer of the eye’s lens.
Cortical Cataract
This type appears in the outer layers of the lens and is often characterised by white, chalky edges.
Nuclear Cataract
Found in the nucleus (centre) of the lens, nuclear cataracts typically have a yellow or brown tint.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract
Located at the back of the lens, this type is more common in diabetic patients and can develop more rapidly than other types.
Often, these types of cataracts can be found in combination within the same eye. There are also other, less common types of cataracts, such as blue dot, Christmas tree, and bear skin cataracts.
Can I prevent cataracts?
While cataracts are often an inevitable part of aging, there are several steps you can take to potentially delay their onset and reduce your risk.
While these measures can help reduce the risk and delay the development of cataracts, they cannot completely prevent them. Regular eye examinations and a healthy lifestyle are key to maintaining good eye health.
- Protect your eyes from UV light: Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays can help protect your eyes from the damaging effects of sunlight.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can help keep your eyes healthy. Foods like leafy greens, fruits, and nuts are beneficial.
- Manage health conditions: Conditions like diabetes can increase your risk of cataracts. Managing your blood sugar levels and overall health can reduce this risk.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Both smoking and excessive alcohol intake have been linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts.
benefits of cataract surgery
Enjoy the benefits of cataract surgery at OCL Vision.
We use state-of-the-art technology to provide the safest treatment and the best patient outcomes.
- Improved vision: Cataract surgery significantly enhances vision clarity, allowing patients to see more clearly and vividly.
- Increased independence: By restoring clear vision, cataract surgery helps patients regain independence in daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognising faces.
- Reduced risk of trips and falls: Clearer vision reduces the risk of falls and injuries, particularly important for older adults.
- Long lasting results: The results of cataract surgery are typically long-lasting, providing patients with clear vision for many years.
Cost
How much is Cataract eye surgery?
- Initial consultation starting from £260
- Follow-up appointments
- Personalised Treatment Plan
From
£2,895
Per Eye
Indicative Finance From
£54 p/m
PATIENT JOURNEY
What is the process of cataract eye surgery?
Find out more about the process of cataract eye surgery, from initial consultation to aftercare and recovery.
Bespoke Consultation
At your first consultation, you'll meet our team of specialist technicians, opticians, and your chosen expert surgeon. The 90-minute consultation includes a thorough eye examination using advanced diagnostic equipment. We'll assess your vision and discuss your lifestyle to recommend the most suitable treatment, for you to make an informed decision.
Personalised Treatment
We believe in a personalised approach, customising each treatment to meet your unique visual needs. This ensures you receive the best possible procedure for your eyes and vision. Trust is paramount when it comes to your eyes, and we are committed to honesty and transparency, offering evidence-based treatments that prioritise your well-being.
Preparing for surgery
Our team will guide you through any necessary paperwork and explain how to use your post-operative eye drops, as well as how to best look after your eyes in the days and weeks following surgery. You will meet your surgeon again before the procedure and have ample opportunity to ask any questions.
Procedure
When you arrive for your appointment, our experienced, friendly, and empathetic team of nurses and technicians will welcome you and put you at ease. During the surgery, your surgeon will reassure you and talk you through each step, helping you feel calm and in control. Please expect your vision to be blurry, we advise you not to drive.
Aftercare & Results
Thanks to our advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology, you will enjoy perfect vision as early as the next day, depending on your procedure. Follow-up appointments are part of our comprehensive aftercare package and at each appointment we will check your vision and eye health. Our team are accessible should you have any questions or concerns.
CATARACT SURGERY USEFUL INFORMATION
Cataract surgery aftercare
Considering cataract surgery? Here is some guidance that will answer some of your questions.
After 24hrs
Shower/Wash hair
Do not wet your eyes directly for 1 week.
3 days
Drive / work
Do not drive until your vision has cleared.
2 weeks
Swim
Wear goggles for 4 weeks.
2 nights
Eye shields
Wear your eye shields at night.
5 days
Make-up
Do not wear eye make up.
3 days
Contact lenses
Remove contact lenses, take surgeons advice.
After 5 days
Light exercise
Full exercise 2 weeks after treatment.
1 week
Fly
Take advice from your surgeon.
3hrs
Time in clinic
On day of surgery.
TESTIMONIALS
Come with us to discover one of our patients' journey into his eye surgery to correct his cataracts.
Narrated from our expert surgeon Ms Laura de Benito-LLopis, follow him from his initial consultation through surgery and follow-up appointments, and discover what awaits you if you decide to start a journey to a better vision with us.
Emma Laser Eye surgeryThe way I was dealt by Dr Laginaf was nothing short of outstanding. She went above and beyond and I would like to thank Dr Laginaf for the attention to detail.
Suhail VitrectomyGreat experience with Dr Chien Wong and his team. I needed to have three separate operations to repair a detached retina and poor NHS interventions. Amazing care and treatment and 2 years later still very grateful for their efforts.
Gordon Cataract SurgerySo much care, from the initial enquiry to the final check-up, every team member treats you as if you are the most important person they have ever dealt with. I completed my treatment feeling valued and with better than 20/20 vision.
Read our eye surgery reviews
Cataracts FAQ's
View knowledge baseHow long does cataract surgery take?
The actual procedure usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Including pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery, you can expect to spend up to 3 hours in the clinic at OCL Vision.
How long does it take to recover from Cataract surgery?
Most patients experience significant improvement in vision within a few days. Cataract eye surgery healing time typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, you should follow your surgeons’ instructions, including using prescribed eye drops and avoiding strenuous activities.
What are the differences between traditional cataract surgery and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery?
Traditional cataract surgery uses ultrasound to break up and remove the cloudy lens, while femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery utilises a laser to make precise incisions and break up the lens before removal. The laser-assisted method can enhance precision and potentially reduce recovery time.
