If you feel like you are looking through a frosty or foggy window or having more difficulty driving at night or seeing the expression on people’s faces it may be that you have the symptoms of a cataract forming in your eyes.
A common misconception is that a cataract is a film or growth over the eye, this is not the case. A cataract is the term used to describe clouding of the naturally clear crystalline lens of the eye.
The lens in your eye is positioned behind the iris (the coloured part of your eye). The lens in your eye functions like that of a camera lens to focus incoming light onto the retina in order for you to see clearly.
Throughout your life the natural lens is clear & flexible to enable you to have clear natural vision refocusing between distance and near objects. Any cloudiness of the natural lens in your eye over time is termed a cataract.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common performed surgical procedure worldwide, that enables people to regain their independence.
Cataracts operation involves making a tiny incision around 2.5 to 3mm through in which an intricate ultrasonic machine (a phacoemulsification instrument) uses sound waves to break the cataract up into small pieces so that it can easily be removed from the eye. This process is called phacoemulsification.
After the cloudy lens has been removed from the eye it is replaced with a small clear artificial lens, an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is put into your eye replacing the dysfunctional cloudy cataractous lens which has been removed.
There are a number of different IOL lens designs available. At your consultation the ophthamologist will discuss with you your lifestyle and what IOL is recommended for you, taking into account the unique features of your eyes and your visual requirements.
Most people want to minimise any spectacle wear following removal of their cataract. A premium multifocal intraocular lens that facilitates clear vision over a full range at near, distance and intermediate may be the most suitable option.
Some people are better suited to a single focus, monofocal intraocular lens therefore you would need to wear reading glasses after the cataract is removed. The ophthamologist will carefully go through the options with you to determine the most appropriate option for you.
Fendalton Eye Clinic is an affiliated provider with Southern Cross Healthcare Insurance for selected services and a NIB First Choice Health Provider
Dr Kent performs cataract and refractive lens exchange surgery at the Christchurch Eye Surgery.
Opened in 2014, it is equipped with two operating theatres and the latest ophthalmic technology and equipment to allow surgeons to provide the best possible care.