Am I suitable for private cataract surgery?
A cataract is a common condition which occurs when proteins in the lens break down and clumps together, often resulting in cloudy patches that can obstruct your sight.
The most common cause of age-related vision loss, it is easily remedied through a straightforward procedure called cataract surgery that replaces your cloudy natural lens with a new synthetic one.
Cataracts are relatively easy to treat, and because our surgeons have a wealth of experience and use state of the art technology, a vast majority of our patients can now have cataract surgery. Having access to advanced technologies in the specialist area of cataract care, our leading surgeons are able to help more and more people with the condition. Cataract surgery is very safe and is the most common surgical procedure performed in the UK. Having this procedure for those that have cataracts reduces the risk of an adverse event occurring including injuries suffered through trips and falls.
Can I have private cataract surgery?
If you are unsure whether you can have cataract surgery, you can rest assured that treatment can now be offered to most patients. A variety of factors, however, can interfere with your suitability; including coexisting eye or general health conditions, or high visual requirements. By booking in for a free consultation with our in-house experts, we can conduct a series of specialist tests that will help us determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
If you are experiencing age-related loss of vision at far, intermediate or near but are unsure if this is due to cataracts, you might still be suitable for lens replacement surgery. This involves the same procedure as cataract surgery, whereby your natural lens is replaced by an artificial lens, making your vision both clearer and brighter. Having this procedure at an early stage allows for better visual outcomes and increases the time that you benefit from visual freedom – why wait?
The most common operation performed in the UK, millions of people are already enjoying the life-changing benefits of cataract surgery. After the NHS, Optical Express carries out the highest number of cataract surgeries in the country, so you can rest assured you are in good hands.
If you are wondering whether you can have cataract surgery, then book your free consultation at Optical Express now. With the vast majority of people being suitable candidates for treatment, there is a good chance you will be too. In the unlikely event that it isn't right for you, your expert optometrist will be able to offer an alternative solution.
Still have questions?
Here are the answers to the questions we get asked most often.
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Who is suitable for cataract surgery?
The short answer is: Most patients who have cataracts
The majority of patients with cataracts are suitable for cataract surgery. Your optometrist will take into account your age, health, prescription and other influencing factors when assessing your suitability. -
Is cataract surgery painful?
The short answer is: You'll feel mild discomfort
Even though you'll be awake during your treatment, you'll be given an anesthetic so you won't feel any pain during your cataract surgery. When this starts to wear off, you may feel some discomfort, which can be effectively managed with over the counter painkillers. -
Can I have cataract surgery if I am long sighted?
The short answer is: Yes
Cataract surgery is ideal for people with long-sightedness (hyperopia). -
Can I have cataract surgery if I am short sighted?
The short answer is: Yes
Your synthetic lens will correct other issues with your vision, including long sightedness and short sightedness. -
Is there a link between diabetes and cataracts?
The short answer is: Yes
Cataracts are more common in patients who have certain conditions, including diabetes. -
Can I have cataract surgery if I have astigmatism?
The short answer is: Yes
Premium synthetic lenses are available for patients with moderate to high astigmatism. They'll improve your vision, so that you won't need glasses for distance vision, but you may still need glasses for reading. -
Who can't have cataract surgery?
The short answer is: A very small number of patients
Most people are suitable for cataract surgery. In the unlikely event that it isn't right for you, your expert optometrist will be able to offer an alternative solution.
The benefits of Private Cataract Surgery
While the NHS provides cataract surgery to those whose vision has deteriorated to a point where daily tasks such as driving are no longer feasible, long NHS waiting lists have led to patients having treatment delayed. With the current waiting time for an initial consultation being many months, the wait to receive surgery can be even longer with some patients waiting years for treatment. It can therefore be preferable to opt for private cataract surgery to avoid the risks that come with prolonged vision impairment. Patients who have waited more than 6 months to receive treatment have been shown to experience an increased rate of falls1, for example, which could lead to devastating fractures, injuries, and even hospitalisation.
Besides this, prolonged loss of vision can often drastically reduce your quality of life, as many people suffering from cataracts find themselves struggling with normal day-to-day activities such as driving, reading, and watching television. By choosing to have your cataracts treated privately, you can have your vision restored within just a matter of weeks if not days, allowing you to start living life to the full once more. At Optical Express, we are proud to report that 97.7% of our patients achieve driving standard or better following their cataract procedure, compared to 34.6% of patients treated by the NHS.2
What’s more, patients treated at Optical Express are at a lower risk of developing complications than those treated by the NHS.3 If you are wondering whether you can have cataract surgery, then book your free consultation now. By booking in for a free consultation, you can find out more about the benefits of choosing private cataract surgery. As we have access to advanced technologies in the specialist area of cataract care, we can now offer life-changing treatment to a vast majority of people. Don’t wait any longer and book your free consultation at Optical Express today.