What Will the Doctor Ask Me?

When you come to be assessed for cataract surgery, you will be asked about

• any previous eye problems
• the strength of your glasses
• any medical problems or operations you have had in the past
• problems with lying down, breathing or your blood pressure
• a list of all medicines and tablets you take
• any allergies or drug reactions you have had
• who can help you if necessary after surgery
• an emergency contact number for your next of kin or friend

It will be very useful if you can write this information down – you may need the help of your GP.

Many people are worried about being able to lie still, lie flat, coughing, sneezing or being short of breath during the operation – do not worry. The doctors who look after you will be able to assess if this is likely to be a problem and will be able to discuss a way around the problem. It is rare that anyone is unsuitable for surgery for one of these reasons.

I you decide to proceed, measurements of the eye will be taken (biometry) which enable your surgeon to choose the appropriate lens implant for your eye.

Intraocular lenses (IOLs)

Intraocular lens are made of an acrylic or silicone material. Modern IOLs are foldable and this allows the 6mm lens to fit through a 3mm incision. The strength of the IOL is usually chosen to give you good distance vision, but reading glasses will be required for close work.

Recent advances in IOL design have resulted in a range of implants with different properties;

• Accommodating IOLs which restore some degree of near focus and so reduce patient’s dependence on reading glasses
• Tinted IOLs which may reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration
• IOLs with properties which significantly reduce the risk of developing posterior capsule opacification.

These more sophisticated IOLs are expensive and may not be available under the NHS. They may however, be an option for patients choosing CESP Private treatment - enquire of your local CESP office.