Ms Sharon (Ling Zhi) Heng
MBBS, PhD, FRCOphth, FHEA
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Private Cataract Removal Surgery in London
Understanding Cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye condition that can significantly impact your vision and quality of life. Understanding the nature of cataracts is crucial in exploring effective treatment options to restore your clear vision.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to a progressive decline in vision quality. This clouding can occur due to changes in the lens structure, such as protein clumping or disintegration of lens fibres, which interfere with the passage of light through the eye.
Symptoms of Cataracts
The symptoms of cataracts can vary depending on their severity and location within the eye. Common symptoms include blurred or hazy vision, increased sensitivity to glare, difficulty seeing at night, faded or dull colours, and frequent changes in eyeglass prescription. In advanced stages, cataracts can significantly impair vision, making it challenging to perform daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognising faces.
Causes and Risk Factors
While ageing is the primary risk factor for cataracts, other factors can contribute to their development. These include exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, smoking, certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids), eye trauma or injury, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Additionally, genetics and family history can increase the likelihood of developing cataracts.
Importance of Cataract Removal Surgery
Cataract removal surgery is a highly effective treatment option that can restore clear vision and improve your overall quality of life. Understanding the importance of timely intervention is essential in addressing cataracts and preventing further vision deterioration.
Impact on Daily Life
Cataracts can significantly impact various aspects of daily life, including reading, driving, watching television, and participating in recreational activities. By addressing cataracts through surgery, individuals can regain independence, confidence, and enjoyment in their daily activities.
Benefits of Cataract Surgery
Cataract removal surgery is a transformative procedure that offers numerous benefits, extending far beyond simple visual improvement. Understanding the comprehensive advantages of cataract surgery is essential in appreciating its profound impact on patients' lives.
Improved Visual Acuity
​Cataract surgery effectively restores clarity and sharpness to your vision by removing the cloudy lens that obscures your sight. Following surgery, many patients experience a significant improvement in visual acuity, allowing them to see more clearly and with greater detail than before. Objects appear sharper, colours appear more vibrant, and overall visual perception is enhanced, leading to a clearer and more vivid world.
Enhanced Contrast Sensitivity
Private retina laser therapy centres are equipped with state-of-the-art laser systems and diagnostic equipment, allowing for precise and targeted treatment of retinal disorders. Advanced technology enables ophthalmologists to deliver optimal outcomes while minimising the risk of complications. Examples of these include newer technologies such as softer lasers for the macular, micropulse or nanosecond lasers which has been shown in research to reduce adjuvant damage on the macular as compared to conventional laser therapy.
Increased Colour Perception
Cataracts can distort colour perception, causing colours to appear faded or dull. Following cataract surgery, many patients report a remarkable enhancement in colour perception, with colours appearing brighter, more vibrant, and true to life. The removal of the cloudy lens allows light to pass through the eye unimpeded, restoring the full spectrum of colours and enhancing the richness and depth of visual experiences.
Reduced Reliance on Corrective Eyewear
One of the most significant benefits of cataract surgery is the reduction in dependence on corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses. By replacing the clouded natural lens with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL), cataract surgery can correct refractive errors and improve visual clarity at various distances.
​
Many patients find that they no longer need glasses or contacts for everyday activities like reading, driving, or watching TV, leading to greater convenience, freedom, and confidence in their daily lives.
Improved Overall Quality of Life
Beyond the tangible improvements in visual function, cataract surgery has a profound impact on patients' overall quality of life. Restoring clear vision allows individuals to engage more fully in activities they enjoy, maintain independence, and participate in social interactions with confidence. With clearer vision, patients experience enhanced mobility, safety, and productivity, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying lifestyle.
Cataract surgery offers a comprehensive array of benefits that extend beyond mere visual improvement. By restoring clarity, contrast sensitivity, and colour perception, reducing reliance on corrective eyewear, and enhancing overall quality of life, cataract surgery empowers individuals to enjoy a brighter, clearer future. If you're experiencing the symptoms of cataracts, don't hesitate to explore the transformative potential of cataract surgery and reclaim your vision and vitality.
Timing of Surgery
The timing of cataract surgery is crucial in ensuring optimal visual outcomes and preventing complications associated with advanced cataracts. While there is no strict timeline for surgery, individuals experiencing significant visual impairment or functional limitations due to cataracts should consider undergoing surgery to restore their vision and improve their quality of life.
Cataract Removal Surgery Process
Our comprehensive cataract removal surgery process is designed to provide patients with safe, effective, and personalised care from pre-operative evaluation to post-operative recovery.
Preoperative Evaluation
Before undergoing cataract surgery, patients will undergo a thorough preoperative evaluation to assess their ocular health, determine the severity of cataracts, and identify any underlying eye conditions that may affect surgical outcomes.
This evaluation typically includes a comprehensive eye examination, measurement of visual acuity, assessment of lens opacity using specialised imaging techniques (e.g., optical coherence tomography), biometry (to choose an appropriate intraocular lens to replace) and discussion of medical history and lifestyle factors.
Surgical Procedure
Cataract surgery is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety. During the surgery, the cloudy lens is gently fragmented and removed using a technique called phacoemulsification, which involves the use of ultrasonic energy to break down the lens material.
Once the cataract is removed, a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place to restore vision. The choice of IOL depends on factors such as the patient's visual needs, lifestyle preferences, and any pre-existing ocular conditions (e.g., astigmatism).
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Following cataract surgery, patients will receive detailed post-operative instructions and guidance to facilitate a smooth recovery and optimal visual outcomes. While recovery times may vary, most patients experience significant improvement in vision within the first few days to weeks following surgery.
It is essential to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, including the use of prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Choosing the right intraocular lens (IOL) is critical in achieving the desired visual outcomes and addressing specific vision needs.
Monofocal
Lens
From
£2998 / Eye
-
Includes surgeon fees
-
Include lens fees
-
Include hospital fees
-
Includes one follow up after surgery
-
Includes a lens that corrects distance vision
Monofocal Toric Lens
From
£3198 / Eye
-
Includes surgeon fees
-
Include lens fees
-
Include hospital fees
-
Includes one follow up after surgery
-
Includes a lens that corrects distance vision
Multifocal
Lens
From
£3798 / Eye
-
Includes surgeon fees
-
Include lens fees
-
Include hospital fees
-
Includes one follow up after surgery
-
negate the need for glasses
Multifocal Toric Lens
From
£2900 / Eye
-
Includes surgeon fees
-
Include lens fees
-
Include hospital fees
-
Includes one follow up after surgery
-
Includes a lens that corrects distance and near vision, and astigmatism.
Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal IOLs are the most commonly used type of IOL and provide clear vision at a single focal distance, typically either near, intermediate, or distance vision. While monofocal IOLs offer excellent visual clarity, patients may still require reading glasses or bifocals to achieve optimal vision at all distances.
Multifocal and Toric IOLs
Multifocal and toric IOLs are premium lens options that offer enhanced visual performance at multiple distances and can correct pre-existing astigmatism. Multifocal IOLs utilise diffractive or refractive optical technology to provide simultaneous vision at near, intermediate, and distance ranges, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses for most daily activities.
​
Toric IOLs, on the other hand, are specifically designed to correct astigmatism, providing clearer and more stable vision for individuals with corneal irregularities.
Discussion of Lens Options
During the preoperative evaluation, your surgeon will discuss the available lens options with you and help you select the most suitable option based on your visual needs, lifestyle preferences, and ocular characteristics. By carefully considering factors such as visual acuity, astigmatism, and desired spectacle independence, your surgeon can customise your treatment plan to optimise visual outcomes and satisfaction.
Advanced Technology and Techniques
Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and employs advanced surgical techniques to deliver safe, precise, and effective cataract removal surgery.
Customised Treatment Planning
Each cataract surgery is meticulously planned and customised to address the unique visual needs and ocular characteristics of the patient. By integrating advanced diagnostic imaging, intraoperative guidance systems, and patient-specific data, surgeons can tailor the surgical approach, lens selection, and incision placement to optimise visual outcomes and patient satisfaction.
​
Don't let cataracts diminish your quality of life or limit your visual potential. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive consultation and take the first step towards achieving clearer vision and a brighter future. With our advanced technology, personalised care, and experienced surgical team, clear vision awaits you!
Treatment Rates
There are package treatment plans for cataract surgeries
-
Monofocal intraocular lens package start from £2998 per eye
-
Premium intraocular lens such as multifocal or EDOF lens package start from £3798 per eye
​
Ms Heng is also on the cataract pathways for major insurers such as BUPA.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What conditions can be treated with retina laser therapy?Retina lasers such as panretina photocoagulation remains the gold standard treatment for proliferative retina vascular disease such as diabetic retinopathy and retina vein occlusion. Lasers targeted at the macular , macular laser therapy is often used to treat conditions such as diabetic macular oedema, macular oedema from vein occlusion and certain cases of central serous retinopathy.
-
Is retina laser therapy painful?Patients will be given topical anaesthetic drops and will have a contact lens on the eye to keep the eye open during the procedure. You can feel slight discomfort during the procedure and immediately after. Usually paracetamol or NSAID tables over the counter will help to ease the discomfort from the procedure. You should not be experiencing pain beyond a day or two. If not, please seek urgent assistance.
-
How long does a retina laser therapy session typically last?Depending on the area to be treated, a session will take from 15 mins to 30 min per eye.
-
Are there any side effects or risks associated with retina laser therapy?Whilst laser photocoagulation is effective, there are risks involved , such as: Vision loss: It may cause a blind spot in the area where a scar forms. If the fovea is lasered, this may cause visual loss but this is incredibly rare. Damage to the retina caused by the scar that formed from treatment: This damage may occur right after surgery or years later. Blood vessels that grow again: Retina specialists can remedy this by repeating the laser treatment. Bleeding in the eye Reduced colour vision Lowered night vision
-
What is the recovery process like after retina laser therapy?The procedure is a day procedure and you will usually go home after the procedure. You can continue with normal activity following the laser therapy. You might feel slight discomfort for a day or two. The true impact of the laser on the retina vasculature or fluid may take up to 2 weeks or 3-4 months in the case of macular oedema. A follow up appointment will be scheduled to monitor on the status of the retina following the procedure
-
Will I need multiple sessions of retina laser therapy?In certain indications of retina laser such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, several sessions of retina laser therapy will be planned
-
Is retina laser therapy covered by insurance?Most indications of retina laser therapy are covered by insurance, please contact your insurance to confirm your eligibility depending on your personal insurance plans.