- Is there a link between diabetes and cataracts?
Yes. Cataract is more common in people who have certain diseases such as diabetes.
- Are cataracts just a part of getting old?
Most forms of cataract develop in later adult life. This is called age-related cataract, and can occur at any time after the age of 40. The normal process of ageing causes the lens to gradually become cloudy. Not all people who develop cataract require treatment.
- Can children have a cataract?
Yes, but this is rare.
- I didn’t know that I had a cataract until my optician told me – is that normal?
At first, you might not be aware that cataract is developing and, initially, it may not cause problems with your vision. Generally, as cataract develops over time, you start to experience blurring of vision. In most cases, eyes with a cataract look normal but, if the cataract is advanced, your pupil may no longer look black and can look cloudy or white.
- I feel that I need to go to the optician more often to get new glasses.
You may need to get new prescription glasses more frequently when the cataract is developing.
- Do I need any special tests before the operation? Yes.
Special tests are required to determine the strength of lens implant which is inserted into the eye. These are usually done prior to the operation day and may be done at your first clinic attendance or a few weeks before surgery.
If you wear contact lenses, you must leave them out before having the measurements on your eyes, as these measurements are used to assess the strength of the lens implant. The amount of time you have to leave them out varies depending on the type of lens you wear. Soft contact lenses – two weeks· Gas permeable contact lenses and· hard contact lenses – four weeks
You may also have tests for your general health, such as blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Are cataracts just a part of getting old?
Most forms of cataract develop in later adult life. This is called age-related cataract, and can occur at any time after the age of 40. The normal process of ageing causes the lens to gradually become cloudy. Not all people who develop cataract require treatment.
- Will I have to stay in hospital?
Cataract surgery is performed on a daycare basis. This means you are admitted to hospital, have your operation and are discharged home all in the same day. You could spend several hours in hospital from arrival to discharge.
- What are my choices for vision and glasses after the operation?
Standard monofocal lenses Your lens, which helps you focus, is removed during the operation and is replaced with an artificial lens, the intraocular lens implant. There is a choice of different strengths (powers) of lenses which, just like different strengths of glasses lenses, affect how clearly you see when looking into the distance or when looking at near things such as reading a book. During your initial assessment, the cataract team will discuss with you whether you want to have better focus for close vision or for distance vision. Most people choose to aim for good distance vision after the operation. If you choose this option, you will usually need reading glasses.