Procedure Overview

Cataracts are a common eye condition characterised by the clouding of the natural lens inside the eye” – this is due to protein clumping which blocks light from reaching the retina.

Age is a primary factor; the lens naturally becomes less clear with time.
Other contributors: diabetes, long-term steroid use, smoking, excessive UV exposure, eye injury or previous eye surgery.

Early symptoms of cataract: blurry or cloudy vision (like looking through frosted glass), difficulty in low-light, glare/halos around lights, faded/yellowed colours.
As cataract progresses: more difficulty with driving (especially night), reading, computer/phone use, recognising faces; increased risk of falls due to reduced contrast/depth perception.

Nuclear sclerotic:central nucleus of lens; causes gradual yellowing/browning of vision; may increase myopia.
Cortical: white opacities in outer lens (cortex) appearing as spoke-like; problems with glare, contrast, night vision.
Posterior subcapsular: back of the lens capsule; faster progression; affects reading vision and causes glare. Common in younger patients, diabetics, steroid-users.
Congenital: present at birth or childhood (rare) – demands early intervention to avoid long-term impairment.
Secondary (Posterior capsular opacification – PCO): after surgery, the capsule may become cloudy; treatable by a laser procedure.

Initial baseline assessment: visual acuity, distance & near vision measurement.
Slit-lamp microscopy to examine lens, cornea and retina, determine type and location of cataract.
Pupil dilation drops to allow examination of back of eye (lens capsule, retina) and to screen for co-morbidities.
Ocular biometry / measurements: pre-surgery lens power calculation (IOL power), corneal measurements, axial length.
Mr Sira uses advanced technology for the most accurate results and a personalised visual outcome.
Patients’ lifestyle needs (driving, screen work, hobbies) guide lens-choice and timing of surgery.

The only definitive treatment is removal of the cloudy natural lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Surgery is recommended when cataracts begin to significantly interfere with daily life (driving, reading, screen use) rather than waiting for “the worst”.

Typical duration: ~10-15 minutes per eye.
Performed under local anaesthesia (numbing eye-drops and/or injection); patient is awake but comfortable.
Approach: small incision in cornea → ultrasonic fragmentation (phacoemulsification) of the cloudy lens → removal → insertion of the customised IOL.

Monofocal: one fixed distance (typically distance); reading glasses likely needed.
Toric: for patients with astigmatism – corrects irregular corneal shape plus cataract.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF): offers a broader range of vision with fewer visual side-effects (halos/glare) than classic multifocal.

Day-case procedure – patient goes home same day.
Some mild sensations: grittiness, watering, mild discomfort in treated eye for a day or two.
Many patients notice clearer vision within 24-48 hours; full stabilisation may take a few weeks.

Eye-drops: usually antibiotic + anti-inflammatory drops to prevent infection and control inflammation.
Follow-up consultation: the clinic mentions a review ~2 weeks after surgery to check healing and answer questions.
Activity advice: Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, swimming, and rubbing the eye for a short period. Use protective eyewear or shield.

Most patients enjoy a significant improvement in vision and quality of life. Colours often appear brighter; night vision and glare reduction typically improve once the cloudy lens is removed.
The longevity of results is very good; nonetheless age-related changes in vision still may occur, so regular eye checks remain important.

Important risks (though rare) include: infection, inflammation, visual disturbances (e.g., halos/glare), posterior capsule rupture, need for further surgery. These are discussed during consultation.

Private cost starts at around £2,500 per eye though this depends on lens type and any additional treatments.
Private treatment advantages: short waiting times, advanced lens choices tailored to lifestyle, continuity of care with the same consultant