What Does Cataract Surgery Feel Like?
As we get older, it becomes increasingly likely that we will soon have to start preparing for Cataract Surgery. That’s right – cataracts are a natural part of the eye’s ageing process, which means that sooner or later, you could find yourself needing treatment to maintain the eyesight you have enjoyed for your entire life.
Cataracts begin to develop as the proteins in our eyes’ lenses begin to break down. This process starts to kick in at around 40; however, the effects may not become noticeable for a long time afterwards.
When these broken-down proteins begin to clump together, they will eventually form a cataract in your eye’s natural lens. This cloudy obstruction continues to worsen over time and, if left untreated, can even lead to blindness. But don’t worry, this only happens in rare cases.
Still, the only way to effectively treat cataracts and get your vision back is through Cataract Surgery. So, if you find yourself in this position, it is likely you have a lot of questions running through your mind – not least: What does Cataract Surgery feel like?
Being Prepared for Cataract Surgery
Being told you need any kind of surgery is understandably a scary prospect. Even the part before the surgery itself can be enough to make you want to hide away: sitting in doctor’s waiting rooms, or being passed from doctor to doctor… and that’s before you even get to the physical part of the surgery.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way. While waiting lists for Cataract Surgery through the NHS can often exceed nine months, private clinics offer an alternative, with an expert surgeon who can personally walk you through your treatment and help prepare you for your surgery.
This involves making sure you are fully aware of what your treatment will entail, including what Cataract Surgery feels like.
Your journey back to cataract-free vision at London Vision Clinic gives you full access to your surgeon, starting with a pre-operative consultation in which you will discuss your personalised treatment plan. It is at this stage that your surgeon will walk you through how your surgery works, as well as what you can expect to feel both during and after the procedure.
What Does Cataract Surgery Feel Like?
The first thing you need to know about your surgery is that it is a routine procedure that is carried out successfully around the world thousands of times a day. In fact, an estimated that around 330,000 procedures are performed every year in England alone!
Secondly – and you’ll be glad to hear this – Cataract Surgery won’t cause you pain. No one likes the idea of having their eyes touched, whether by an expert surgeon or otherwise. But the truth is, thanks to the application of numbing eye drops and the use of the latest techniques, the experience won’t be anywhere near as scary as you are imagining.
The procedure itself involves creating a small incision in the surface of your eye, through which the cataract can be removed and a new, artificial lens can be implanted. This does sound a little gory, but thanks to the anaesthetic, most people describe feeling a slight pulling and pressure in their eye.
While this may feel strange and slightly unpleasant, there is nothing to worry about. The procedure is usually over in around 30 minutes and is usually carried out as day surgery. This means that you will be back home with your feet up before you know it. From there, recovery is relatively quick, with many patients enjoying full vision after just a few days.
Cataract Surgery at London Vision Clinic
During your recovery period, your surgeon will be available to discuss any concerns you have regarding your surgery and to check that your recovery is going smoothly.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, taking the step toward Cataract Surgery can breathe fresh life into your vision once more. With access to the best surgeons and state-of-the-art technology, there really is nothing to be scared of when opting for treatment at London Vision Clinic.
If you have any further questions about Cataract Surgery at London Vision Clinic, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators. Alternatively, Book a Consultation today.