Cataracts are an extremely common problem, particularly in those over the age of 50. A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye and it occurs when the lens becomes hardened with age. Just like the rest of the body the eyes are affected by age and cataract formation is one of the most common problems that occur. Cataracts can be extremely difficult to live with as they can slowly, day by day, begin to affect eyesight and cause it to diminish. As the cloudy area of the lens expands the eye loses its ability to see objects both far and away. People suffering with cataracts stop being able to carry out everyday activities, like reading, driving, participating in sports or even recognising peoples faces. It is by no means a life threatening condition, but it can seriously affect a persons quality of life.
There is treatment available however for cataracts. Many people think that cataracts can only be removed with laser eye surgery but in fact there is more simple procedure available that instantly restores sight and involves very little recovery time. A refractive lens exchange is a very effective treatment for cataracts. It works by breaking up and removing the cloudy, hardened lens in the eye and replacing it with an artificial alternative. The new artificial lens ensures that eye sight is not only restored but cataracts can never come back in the future. In addition to treating the cataract, a patient can have a specially created lens fitted that helps a refractive error too. For example someone who is longsighted can have both the cataract removed and have an artificial lens used that removes the problem. Sometimes patients find themselves free of glasses that they have been dependent on for decades. A refractive lens exchange really is a two for one treatment.
The treatment itself is extremely quick taking just a few minutes per eye. It is performed without the need for an overnight stay in hospital and the results can be seen immediately. Following the procedure, patients will need to rest their eyes for a day or two but other than this there is little else to be done. There may be eye drops to take and a check up is necessary a few days after surgery to ensure that everything is healing nicely. Otherwise however patients can return to normal life just a few days after the treatment. Eyesight will be clearer straight away, however eyesight will gradually improve over the coming weeks and months. Three months after the treatment and eyesight will have reached its optimum level.
Patients are amazed when by the evening on the same day of their procedure they are experiencing clearer and sharper vision already. It is truly a life changing procedure. It is by no means an exaggeration to say that cataracts can ruin lives. Colours appear duller, detail becomes difficult to distinguish and eventually if they are left untreated they can cause virtual blindness. A refractive lens exchange is a very quick procedure that once done will ensure the eye is never again affected by a cataract. It is of no surprise that this is an extremely popular procedure everywhere.
Patients are often back to normal life and even back to work just two days after treatment. This procedure is available at specialist eye hospitals at a number of locations across the UK. You should talk to your eye doctor to find out more about the procedure.
While many people have heard about
laser eye surgery, fewer know about the newer
refractive lens exchange treatment. If you suffer from cataracts then this type of treatment is absolutely ideal for removing them and preventing them from ever returning.
Cataract surgery with a refractive lens exchange causes minimal disruption to everyday life because there is little recovery time needed. There is no reason to suffer with cataracts any longer as this treatment is widely available.
