What is refractive cataract surgery?
A cataract usually develops when the natural crystalline lens inside your eye becomes cloudy generally due to ageing. This can lead to blurred, hazy vision and colours may look dull. People with cataracts may also experience glare or dazzling with bright lights.
The only definitive treatment for cataracts is to surgically remove them. This is done through a tiny incision. Once the cataract is removed, a synthetic lens is implanted in the eye. No stitches are required and the vision generally rapidly improves within days.
Refractive cataract surgery removes a cataract and aims to correct refractive errors which can cause poor vision at the same time. It does more than treat cataracts, it can improve your vision too.
Are you suitable for refractive cataract surgery?
Firstly, you must have a cataract which is affecting your vision and daily life, to be suitable for refractive cataract surgery.
Secondly, you must have a prescription that falls within a certain range in order to benefit from the improved vision an advanced technology lens can offer.
If you meet these two requirements, Mr Tariq Ayoub may carry out some further tests to check you are eligible for refractive cataract surgery. These tests will show whether the procedure has the potential to eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.
How refractive cataract surgery works
During your consultation, Mr. Ayoub will discuss with you the choice of lens suitable for your eye. This includes the option of using an advanced technology lens to reduce the dependence on glasses.
Using an advanced technology lens — which is a multifocal lens — can help to treat refractive errors and restore your vision. Refractive errors (problems in the way the light bends within your eye) can make it hard to see things close up or far away.
In contrast, in basic cataract surgery, you will have a standard monofocal lens implanted. This treats the cataract but doesn’t improve vision problems you had before you developed cataracts.
Mr. Ayoub is a highly experienced cataract surgeon having done thousands of cataract surgeries – simple and complex. His outcomes are far superior to the expected national outcome benchmark.
Benefits of refractive cataract surgery
Refractive cataract surgery removes your cataracts, and can improve your vision beyond what you experienced before you had them. This brings many benefits including:
- Freedom to participate in more activities
- A richer, more enjoyable experience of life
- Decreased risk of falls and fractures
- Reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses