Cataract Surgery FAQs2023-10-05T09:00:59+00:00

Cataract Surgery Questions (FAQs)

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY

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Patients worry about long queues for cataract surgery after lockdown

Watch this free patient webinar where Mr Samer Hamada, Consultant Ophthalmologist, explains how you can get your cataract surgery sooner (and avoid the long wait).

What are the best cataract surgery questions to ask your doctor?

IN THESE TOGGLES YOU WILL FIND THE ANSWERS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR

The use of femtosecond lasers within cataract surgery is becoming more common.

Femtosecond lasers are used to minimise the use of surgical blades and needles providing precision and micron accuracy.

The femtosecond laser constructs the wound and then breaks up the cataract in approximately 50 seconds allowing the surgeon to extract the broken up cataract and introduce the artificial lens.

Laser cataract surgery (or, more accurately, laser-assisted cataract surgery) is fairly new and significantly increases cataract surgery cost, primarily because the laser machine is very expensive. While studies have shown that lasers can improve accuracy during the procedure, they may not necessarily improve cataract surgery safety, recovery time and visual outcomes in every case.

Prior to cataract surgery it is important to have a thorough consultation with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. They will perform a comprehensive eye exam to check the overall health of your eyes and evaluate whether there are reasons why you should not have surgery and identify any risk factors you might have. They will ask you about your occupation, hobbies and lifestyle to ensure expectations are attainable.

A number of tests and scans will be performed including a refraction which is similar to what you have done at an optician. This will accurately determine the amount of short-sightedness, far-sightedness and/or astigmatism you have prior to surgery.

Additional measurements such as the curvature of your cornea and the length of your eye will be taken to help your surgeon decide upon the appropriate power of IOL to place inside your eye to gain the best possible outcome for you.

Today you have many types of IOLs to choose from for your cataract surgery depending on your specific needs.

In addition to IOLs being able to correct near-sightedness and farsightedness there are now Toric IOLs used correct astigmatism.

Astigmatism is when your cornea is shaped similar to a rugby ball rather than a round football, if astigmatism is left uncorrected, it can distort your vision and you will not be entirely satisfied with cataract surgery results.

A Monofocal IOL will correct either your distance or your near vision. In most cases, people wish to correct their distance vision and are happy to remain wearing reading glasses.

Alternatively you can have two slightly different powered lenses to give you some distance correction and some reading correction, this is called monovision.

Monovision can be simulated through contact lenses and a quick trial is required to see if you can tolerate the difference.

Some people may have certain conditions whereby a Monofocal IOL is better suited, i.e. due to occupation, previous eye surgery or certain eye or medical conditions.

A Multifocal IOL is designed to provide an increased range of vision after cataract surgery than standard Monofocal IOL. It works by splitting light enabling you to have multifocal functionality and can eliminate or reduce the use of glasses completely.

Multifocal IOLs tend to be a popular choice for those with presbyopia.

Eye Clinic London’s preference of Multifocal IOL are the Trifocal lenses and the extended range of vision lenses. Both have proven safety and efficacy but your surgeon will discuss with you which one will suite your eyes, your particular needs and lifestyle.

Both Multifocal and Monofocal IOLs are available in a Toric type.

Toric IOLs can be used to correct moderate to high levels of astigmatism, they work by being placed in a specific position to counter the astigmatism

You can expect to be at the surgical centre for 90 minutes or longer. To begin with, the nurses will prepare your eye using drops to dilate your pupil and numbing the surface of the eye. Thereafter you will be taken into the surgery room where surgery typically takes 15 minutes.

A clear eye shield is placed over the eye to protect it in the early stages of your recovery, you will be advised to keep the plastic shield over the operated eye every night for one week. Thereafter, you will be taken into recovery where your post-op drops and medications will be explained.

You must have someone drive you home after cataract surgery; do not attempt to drive until you have visited your eye doctor/optometrist the day after surgery and he or she has tested your vision and confirmed that you are safe to drive.

You must wear your protective eye shield while sleeping or napping for about a week after surgery.

While your eye heals you might experience some eye redness and blurred vision during the first few days or even weeks following the procedure.

During at least the first week of your recovery it is essential that you avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting, bending, exercising and similar activities that might stress your eye while it is healing, and water that might splash into your eye and cause infection.

Keep your eye closed while showering or bathing. Also, avoid swimming or hot tubs for at least four weeks and any activity that would expose your healing eye to dust, grime or other infection-causing contaminants.

If you have any questions or concerns about cataract surgery be sure to discuss them with your eye doctor and cataract surgeon prior to signing “informed consent” documents authorising surgery. Be sure to advise your surgeon of all medications you are taking, including non-prescription (“over-the-counter”) formulations and nutritional supplements. Some medications and supplements can increase your risk of cataract surgery complications and might need to be discontinued prior to surgery.

Your cataract surgeon may give you other instructions and recommendations for your cataract surgery recovery depending on your specific needs and the outcome of your procedure. If you have any questions at any time after cataract surgery your surgeon will be happy to answer these.

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How my eye care services work

FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST IN 3 EASY STEPS

STEP 1: CONTACT US

Give us a call on 0203 807 5063 or click the button below to book a consultation to figure out which cataract options suit you best.

STEP 2: LET’S MEET

Visit our clinic in London’s Harley Street district and I’ll show you how you can both beat the cataract surgery queues AND read again without glasses.

STEP 3: FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS

Get the richness of life back in full colour! And (if you’re suitable), you might even decided to restore your natural reading vision at the same time.

Don’t put life on hold any longer. Call us or book an appointment today to find out how cataract surgery can transform your vision.

Even more information about cataracts

VIDEO AND BLOG POSTS TO THAT FURTHER EXPLAIN AND ILLUSTRATE CATARACTS

Cloudy Vision After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is necessary to restore your vision. But can it become clouded again after surgery? Learn more with Eye Clinic London.

Cataract Surgery Waiting Lists

Cataract surgery is vital, but NHS waiting times can be lengthy. Discover the short wait time for private surgery with Eye Clinic London.

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Potential cataract surgery complications

Cataract surgery is generally highly successful, but complications can occur. Learn more about potential cataract surgery complications with Eye Clinic London.

Can Cataracts Be Reversed Naturally?

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy and opaque, leading to changes in your vision, such as blurring and dulled colours. These alterations can make daily tasks a challenge.

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Patient Reviews

MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS

“As soon as I met Mr Hamada, I knew I was in safe hands. He is an expert in his field, and very reassuring. His work was impeccable, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wanting a professional, kindly, expert service.”

Annabel Giles, Lens replacement

“I came all the way from the US to be evaluated by Mr. Samer Hamada who provided me with a world-class experience. I was treated with technology that doesn’t exist in the United States. My vision improved significantly since the surgery. Mr. Samer Hamada is definitely a Keratoconus expert.”

Tareq Kass Hout, Keratoconus
“I am glad to be with Mr Hamada. I am glad to be examined by Mr Hamada who acts responsibly and professionally. I never had this experience before from a previous ophthalmologist. I am thankful to Mr Hamada for the successful diagnosis and treatment of my case.”
Ghiath Sumainah

“What a Consultant. Dr. Hamada is a man who was born for this profession. As soon as we walked into the room you felt that you had met a man who was gentle and kind. His demeanour was of a man who knew his trade. He speaks in a way that you will understand. He explains exactly what is wrong and the way he will help fix it for you.”

Sam Brock

“My eyes got really sore, tired and gritty feeling this year. It kept getting worse for about 6 months and every time I thought about it, I kept thinking it would eventually go away, but it just didn’t budge. So I want to say a big thank you to eye doctor Mr Samer Hamada who finally sorted me out! Apart from the eye tests I expected, he also took a really personal approach. I appreciate that he asked questions about my whole diet and lifestyle which helped him to quickly figure out why my eye surface was inflamed. I now have simple steps I can take to reduce the inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes which I’ve now been doing for 2 weeks. I also have been using the special non-preservative eye drops and gels that Mr Hamada provided. My eyes are already feeling so much better and I’m so relieved to have had help to sort this out. If you’ve been noticing your eyes getting dry – don’t wait to sort it out as it keeps getting continually worse and you can find relief very quickly with the right help.”

Laura Livesey, Dry eye

“Mr Hamada’s London Eye Care and his team are a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and the help, support, advice and guidance before during and after the surgery was all world class. I have worn glasses since the age of 13 years and had the onset of cataracts for the last five so it has all been very much a life changing experience to be free from glasses once more.”

Timothy Thompson

“We saw Mr Hamada after our 14-year-old son was diagnosed with keratoconus by another specialist. Mr Hamada talked us through the pros and cons of the cxl epi off and epi on procedures, he answered all our many and detailed questions without rushing us and as openly and honestly as possible. We opted to go ahead with cxl epi off with Mr Hamada. Our experience with Mr Hamada and his team, from his incredibly informative and supportive Secretary Joanna, nurse Mimi and Mr Hamada himself who was incredibly reassuring and put us and our son at ease both before, during and after the procedure, and at each follow-on appointment, has been the best possible. I would go so far as to say that he and his team are by far the best medical team I have ever experienced. I recommend him highly and would be happy to speak to anyone considering an expert in this field.”

Lisa & George, Keratoconus

“I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Hamada and his team. From the first call to inquire about booking an appointment to booking it, I was so impressed with his wonderful secretary Joanna- she really is worth her weight in gold, her lovely manner and care made me decide to go for this clinic. Dr Hamada was a lovely man with a very kind and thorougher way about him – he put my 4-year-old daughter at ease. The appointment was lengthy but at no point were we rushed and able to ask as many questions- things were explained so well. I would have no hesitation at all to recommend anyone to use Dr Hamada and his team- I have already recommended to some other parents.”

Amy

“Mr Hamada, his assistant Joanna and his ophthalmic technicians provide a caring, efficient and high quality service. From the admin through to the surgical aftercare we were very well looked after and we had a high degree of confidence in Mr Hamada’s abilities. Our daughter’s cataracts have been corrected (under general anaesthetic) and her quality of life has improved substantially. You also feel well cared for throughout – the human touch is vital in healthcare, but not always delivered, so well done and thanks to all of the team.”

Nat & Rich
“We were referred to Dr.Hamada by one of the UK experts. The expert himself admitted that Dr.Hamada was better than him!! We were not disappointed at all. Dr. Hamada was excellent with my child. His communication skills and knowledge were exemplary. He gave us clear management plan and would not hesitate to recommend him.”
V Nama
“Dr Hamada is an excellent, highly competent doctor with a very kind and sympathetic manner. His reputation for successfully treating dry eye patients seems unparalleled. His team are all extremely friendly and helpful, especially Dr Hamada’s PA Joanna, making the overall experience better than anywhere else I’ve been!”
Isla Cully, Dry eye
“Appointment setting and follow-up were very efficient and well managed. Mr Hamada was kind, reassuring, knowledgeable and had a very warm manner with my young son, making him instantly feel at ease. I feel that we can trust him and that he will finally be able to solve my son’s long-term eye problems that have stumped other eye doctors.”
Kathryn
“A real care provider – true in letter and spirit. After having seen few other consultants we were lucky to see Mr. Hamada. He treated my mother’s eyes and the prolonged inflammation finally went away. My mother went on to receive a corneal graft. Mr. Hamada and his clinic are simply wonderful. Their response is immediate every time even if it’s the weekend. Mr. Hamada puts a lot of personal attention answering every question very patiently and alleviating any fears. His manner is so kind that puts his patients completely at ease. This caring trait continues in the rest of his staff especially his assistant Joanna. I really can’t thank them enough. I thoroughly recommend anyone with eye problems to go to Mr. Hamada. You couldn’t be in better hands. He has treated my mother who is a long sufferer of eye problems. I am grateful always to Mr. Hamada and Joanna for all the support they have provided throughout.”
Charmaine Ghafur

We have replaced some of the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

Samer Hamada and Eye Clinic London enable patients to experience relief from their eye problems so they can focus on what matters most.

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About the expert

Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.

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