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IN THIS VIDEO I PROVIDE A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF CUSTOMISED CATARACT SURGERY
Everything you need to know about cataract surgery
IN THESE TOGGLES YOU WILL FIND THE DETAILS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
Cataract surgery is a world-renowned lens replacement surgery, where your natural lens is replaced with an intraocular, artificial lens. It is carried out when the original lens has become cloudy white or yellowish in colour, due to
opacification, causing a frosted glass-like effect. This will usually be the result of an ageing process or an injury.
If cataracts impair your vision severely and interfere with your lifestyle, making it hard to complete even the simplest tasks, bringing feelings of anxiety and frustration and ultimately affecting your mental health, it is necessary to undergo the surgery. However, if your vision is still good, you may not need cataract surgery immediately and many patients can wait for years before having the procedure. Your doctor can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Before going ahead with the surgery, it’s important to make sure all of your questions have been answered and you are 100% ready to go ahead. To make sure you cover everything, here is a list of questions you should ask your surgeon before cataract surgery.
Before Cataract Surgery
Before the surgery, your doctor will use an ultrasound device to measure the size and shape of your eye. This will allow the surgeon to identify the best artificial lens to use. There are a few different lenses available that may be suitable for you:
- Monofocal IOL
- Multifocal IOL
- Toric IOL
Your doctor will discuss the options and benefits of each before your surgery.
During Cataract Surgery
The surgery will begin with a nurse using eye drops to numb your eye and dilate the pupil. You may also be offered a sedative to help you relax during surgery.
There are two techniques that are mainly used in the UK and other developed countries to perform cataract surgery:
- Phacoemulsification: involves the use of the machine with an ultrasonic handpiece, vibrating at a frequency of 40.000 Hz. It
emulsifies the cataract lens. Another small instrument (“cracker” or “chopper”) is used to fragment the nucleus into smaller pieces. It’s then removed by another system, called I-A. A foldable lens is inserted. A small incision, about 2-3mm is used to perform this technique and it doesn’t require stitches.
- Extracapsular Cataract extraction: is used when the lens needs to be removed in one piece. A larger incision of around 10-12mm is required. And stitches will be needed, which may prolong the recovery. This technique will be performed if the cataract is too hard and phacoemulsification isn’t possible.
As the surgeon operates, you may feel some very light sensations, but you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort, as anaesthetising eye drops are used prior to and throughout the procedure.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, and you will be discharged on the same day. The surgery will usually take approximately 10 to 20 minutes. You will then be kept for observation for at least an hour until your doctor is satisfied that the surgery has gone well. Your surgical team will provide you with all necessary instructions, drops and oral medications for the best recovery outcome.
Once the surgery is completed, your doctor will usually give you protective glasses to wear to help your eyes to heal.
Your surgical team will provide you with all necessary instructions, drops and oral medications for the best recovery outcome. The overall cataract surgery recovery time will take around a week, and during this time, you should follow your doctor’s instructions on how to promote a healthy recovery. You should talk to your doctor about when it is safe to start driving or return to work. This should be around a week post-surgery.
Some of the things you should do during recovery to help your eyes heal include:
- Use the eyedrops provided per your doctor’s instructions
- Rest
- Use the protective glasses provided while you sleep and wash your hair
- Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed
Some of the things you should avoid during recovery include:
- Swimming
- Driving
- Strenuous activity
- Touching your eyes
- Getting water in your eyes
- Using hot tubs or saunas
- Wearing eye makeup
- Contact with dust
For more information, please read our article on the dos and don’ts after cataract surgery.
With any surgery, there is a risk of complications, so it is important to be informed and understand what to look for. Most cataract surgery complications are rare, provided proper after-surgery care is taken. Some of the more common complications that can be treated at home include:
- Pain – a common complication best treated using painkillers.
Swelling – this should usually resolve on its own, but medication can be prescribed to help. - Dry eyes – this can be alleviated using eye drops recommended by your doctor.
- Floaters – these are a common eye occurrence, but you should talk to your doctor to ensure they are not a sign of something more serious.
Issues that require more immediate and professional medical intervention can include:
- Infection – this is rare but can be effectively treated using antibiotics.
- Bleeding – a rare complication that can impact those with diabetes or high blood pressure. Contact your doctor urgently if you notice any bleeding, particularly if it will not stop.
- Detached retina – a complication requiring urgent medical attention. It can appear with some vision loss, flashes of light or floaters.
- Vision loss – in some very rare cases, some or all vision may be lost as a result of the surgery.
Any surgery has side effects, and you may experience some, all or none of them. Most are not cause for concern, but if you are worried, it is always best to discuss what you are experiencing with your doctor. Some of the common side effects of cataract surgery include:
- Dry eyes
- Itchiness
- Grittiness
- Bloodshot eyes
- Blurred or double vision
These side effects should usually resolve on their own within a few weeks. If they are causing you pain or discomfort, discuss your options for treating side effects with your doctor.
Cataract surgery is a highly effective procedure that can give those with cataracts their vision back. This can allow you to continue living your life as usual, working and enjoying your family life without the worry of vision loss. Other benefits of cataract surgery include:
- Speedy recovery
- Quick outpatient procedure
- Better eye health
- Improved vision
The success rate is high for cataract surgery, and it is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the UK. The chance of an unsuccessful procedure is minuscule.
Our highly accomplished refractive surgeon, Mr Samer Hamada, with 0% posterior capsule tear and the lowest complication rate in the world, is proud that all his patients achieve maximum visual potential with 100% perfect centration of intraocular lens implants (IOL).
If you want to learn more about the benefits of cataracts and get the best care available from the brightest surgical mind in the country, contact Eye Clinic London today for a consultation.
Who needs cataract surgery?
ABOUT 1/3 OF PEOPLE OVER 65 YEARS HAVE A SIGHT-IMPAIRING CATARACT IN ONE OR BOTH EYES
DECLINING VISION CAUSED BY CATARACTS CAN MAKE YOU FEEL SLOW AND INCOMPETENT
If your eyes are no longer functioning like they used to, this is because cataracts are blocking incoming light rays from entering your eye. Even with new glasses, your vision will not be up to scratch for much longer.
Perhaps the little things that you took for granted, like watching the sunset, completing a crossword or reading the morning news are becoming a challenge.
As cataracts progress further, their effects can have a much more profound impact on your life. They can destroy your independence and make leaving the house a rarity. Social interaction can become limited as a result.
After cataract surgery, your vision is restored, and you finally feel like yourself again. You will be astounded by the positive chain reaction that this regained independence and freedom can have not just on yourself but your whole family.
We are so fortunate to live in a day and age where treatment for cataracts is so advanced and widely available. Take advantage of the wonderful benefits of modern cataract surgery and start living again.
Why you should consider cataract surgery
THE BEST THING ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY…
YOUR EYES ARE AS GOOD AS NEW
After customised cataract surgery the bothersome cataract is removed, and the light comes flooding back in. We have selected and inserted the ideal intraocular lens to correct any astigmatism, and have addressed any other eye conditions you may have had. Your vision is now refined, and you are experiencing optimum, unaided vision.
THE FUN HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN
With your fresh vision, every day is a new adventure. The world is brighter and more colourful, which makes you feel positive, lively and confident. Your only regret is not having the surgery sooner.
FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURES
Pick up a good book, gaze out towards a beautiful view and enjoy a candlelit dinner, all without having to reach for your glasses first. Have a meaningful conversation without the interruption of an uncomfortable contact lens or a dry eye spoiling the moment.
YOU’RE BACK IN CHARGE
Nothing can stop you now. Family and friends are astonished at your regained independence and zest for life. You can start to make family plans again, host a social event or babysit the grandchildren. Your confidence is shining, and it’s uplifting for everyone around you to see.
LIFE-CHANGING FREEDOM
The eyes are the body’s most highly developed sense, constantly absorbing information about the world around you. Having restored vision not only gives you the freedom to embrace life, but it can reconnect you with others and yourself.
Why you should consider cataract surgery
THE BEST THING ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY…
YOUR EYES ARE AS GOOD AS NEW
After customised cataract surgery the bothersome cataract is removed, and the light comes flooding back in. We have selected and inserted the ideal intraocular lens to correct any astigmatism, and have addressed any other eye conditions you may have had. Your vision is now refined, and you are experiencing optimum, unaided vision.
THE FUN HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN
With your fresh vision, every day is a new adventure. The world is brighter and more colourful, which makes you feel positive, lively and confident. Your only regret is not having the surgery sooner.
FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURES
Pick up a good book, gaze out towards a beautiful view and enjoy a candlelit dinner, all without having to reach for your glasses first. Have a meaningful conversation without the interruption of an uncomfortable contact lens or a dry eye spoiling the moment.
YOU’RE BACK IN CHARGE
Nothing can stop you now. Family and friends are astonished at your regained independence and zest for life. You can start to make family plans again, host a social event or babysit the grandchildren. Your confidence is shining, and it’s uplifting for everyone around you to see.
LIFE-CHANGING FREEDOM
The eyes are the body’s most highly developed sense, constantly absorbing information about the world around you. Having restored vision not only gives you the freedom to embrace life, but it can reconnect you with others and yourself.
I am fee-assured by private medical insurance providers
I AM PROUD TO BE RECOGNISED BY THE FOLLOWING INSURERS
Affiliations and memberships
I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS
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.
Even more information about cataracts
VIDEO AND BLOG POSTS TO THAT FURTHER EXPLAIN AND ILLUSTRATE CATARACTS
Smoking And Cataracts
Smoking negatively affects your health. However, does it impact cataracts, and if so, how? Learn more about smoking and cataracts with Eye Clinic London.
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.
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.
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
We have replaced some of the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Helpful links to more information about cataract surgery
COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION FROM CATARACT AUTHORITIES
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.