Introduction
At The Retina Clinic London, we provide expert care for patients with cataracts, offering cutting-edge diagnostic services and advanced surgical options. Cataracts are a common eye condition that can impair your vision, but with early diagnosis and personalised treatment, we can help restore your sight and quality of life.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, reducing the amount of light reaching the retina and causing blurry or dimmed vision. This condition typically develops gradually and is a leading cause of vision impairment worldwide, particularly in older adults.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts can affect one or both eyes and often present with the following symptoms:
- Blurry or cloudy vision: A common early sign, as if looking through frosted glass.
- Sensitivity to light: Bright lights may appear too harsh, or you might notice glare or halos around lights.
- Difficulty seeing at night: Reduced contrast and increased glare can make driving or navigating in low light challenging.
- Fading or yellowing of colours: Colours may appear dull or less vibrant.
- Frequent changes in prescription: Glasses or contact lenses may need updating more often than usual.
Causes of Cataracts
Cataracts develop when proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together, forming cloudy areas. The primary causes include:
- Ageing. Most cataracts are related to the natural ageing process, typically developing after age 60.
- Trauma. Eye injuries can damage the lens and lead to cataract formation.
- Certain Medical Conditions. Conditions like diabetes increase the risk of cataracts.
- Medications. Prolonged use of corticosteroids is a known risk factor.
- Lifestyle Factors. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and prolonged UV exposure may contribute to cataract formation.
Are Cataracts Dangerous?
While cataracts are not inherently dangerous, they can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. Over time, cataracts may cause severe vision impairment, increasing the risk of falls, driving accidents, and loss of independence. In some cases, advanced cataracts can lead to complications like inflammation or glaucoma.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataracts, an evaluation by an eye specialist is essential to determine the best course of action.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
At The Retina Clinic London, we diagnose cataracts as part of our comprehensive vitreoretinal examination protocol. This thorough evaluation ensures we can not only confirm cataract formation but also identify and address any associated retinal issues that may need simultaneous treatment.
Our diagnostic process includes:
- Visual Acuity Testing: A precise assessment of how clearly you can see.
- Anterior Segment Imaging: High-resolution imaging to objectively confirm cataract formation and determine its stage of progression.
- Slit-Lamp Examination: A detailed examination of the front of the eye to assess the cataract and its impact on the lens.
- Ultrawidefield Fundus Imaging: Imaging of the retina to detect any co-existing conditions, such as retinal tears or diabetic retinopathy.
- Ultrawidefield Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Detailed cross-sectional imaging of the retina to evaluate its structure and identify any underlying retinal problems that could require treatment alongside cataract surgery.
This protocol allows us to accurately stage the cataract and create a personalised plan for treatment, including timelines for surgery and addressing any co-existing retinal conditions.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
Cataracts are treated with surgery, during which the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL). The procedure is safe, effective, and performed as a day-case surgery.
There are many lens options available, tailored to the vision outcomes you desire—whether to reduce dependence on glasses or to correct other visual issues. Our surgeons will work closely with you to create a plan that aligns with your goals. For more information about what the procedure involves, please visit our Cataract Surgery page.
Why Choose The Retina Clinic London?
At The Retina Clinic London, we provide world-class care for patients with cataracts. Here’s why we’re trusted by patients across the UK and beyond:
- Expertise: Led by Professor Paulo Stanga, our team has extensive experience diagnosing and managing cataracts and other complex eye conditions.
- State-of-the-Art Diagnostics: Using advanced anterior segment imaging, we provide early and accurate cataract diagnosis, enabling precise treatment planning.
- Onsite Theatre: All cataract surgeries are performed in our dedicated onsite surgical theatre, equipped with the latest technologies to ensure precision and safety.
- Personalised Treatment Plans: We focus on tailoring treatment to achieve the visual outcomes that matter most to you, providing guidance and support every step of the way.
- Comprehensive Care: We ensure that any co-existing retinal conditions are addressed simultaneously, offering a holistic approach to your eye health.