Cataract

This lens implant gives you the choice of better focus either for distance vision or near vision. The majority of people choose to aim for good distance vision (e.g. driving) accepting that they will require reading glasses for near vision. There are certain scenarios where Mr. Neffendorf might offer you having one eye set for distance vision, and one eye for near vision. This is known as monovision.

For patients with significant astigmatism, this can be an option to reduce your dependence on glasses after surgery. Your suitability for this type of lens implant depends on pre-operative measurements of the eye which will be taken by Mr. Neffendorf during your consultation.

These lenses are designed to correct your distance, intermediate and near vision, so that you are less likely to need glasses after surgery overall. They have been associated with an increased risk of glare or other optical issues such as haloes appearing around lights. Some people also feel the quality of vision with a Multifocal Intra-Ocular Lens Implant is worse than a Monofocal Intra-Ocular Lens Implant. Mr. Neffendorf is happy to discuss whether this lens implant type might be a good option for you.

These lenses are designed to correct your distance vision and improve intermediate vision (e.g. computer work) as well. Glasses are still required for near reading, and sometimes to fine tune distance and intermediate vision. They have a lower risk of causing side effects such as glare than Multifocal Intra-Ocular Lens Implants. This type of lens implant will be discussed with you during a consultation with Mr. Neffendorf.

The vast majority of patients see better after cataract surgery. Over 95% of patients report seeing better, with less glare, and brighter colour vision.

In most cases, approximately 20 minutes.

The answer to this depends on the type of lens implant which you have chosen. All cataract surgery is intended to reduce your dependence on glasses, although you may still require distance glasses to achieve best vision and you will probably need glasses for reading depending on the lens implant type.

Most patients decide to have their operation performed under a local anaesthetic, and therefore are awake during surgery. The eye is numbed either with eye drops or with an injection of anaesthetic around the eye. The operation is usually painless. If you nervous, or you feel unable to lie still, you can have the operation performed with sedation or under a General Anaesthetic (asleep). Mr. Neffendorf will spend time discussing your anaesthetic choice during a consultation.

Mr. Neffendorf will have discussed this with you during your consultation. In most cases, a few days after surgery, you can drive when you feel ready to, but only if you are able to read a car number plate at 20 metres with or without glasses. In certain scenarios, Mr. Neffendorf will explain that you must not drive until your vision has been reassessed formally to ensure if meets DVLA standards.

Yes. Mr. Neffendorf treats a number of patients with these conditions and in the majority of cases, cataract surgery can improve the vision. It is important to note that the amount of visual improvement is dependent on your other eye condition. Despite this, as a minimum, most patients report brighter colours after surgery even if they have other eye conditions. Mr. Neffendorf will examine your eyes comprehensively, and identify other eye conditions before undertaking cataract surgery. He will let you know if you are suitable for surgery and what sort of visual improvement you might expect to get. He might use additional techniques during surgery if you have other eye problems, to maximise the benefit from surgery.

Most people notice a significant improvement in vision after cataract surgery. The risks are low, and will be discussed with you during your consultation. You can also see a detailed outline of the benefits and risks in Mr. Neffendorf's patient information leaflet, in the Patient Info section of this website.

No. But if you decide not to have surgery your vision is likely to slowly worsen with time.

There are no restrictions regarding flying in an airplance after cataract surgery. However, Mr. Neffendorf recommends all of his patients stay in the UK for one week following surgery, in case there are any scenarios that need attending to.

Mr. Neffendorf will have discussed this with you. Every person recovers at different speeds. Most people tend to return to their normal daily activities a few days after surgery. For those who work, Mr. Neffendorf recommends approximately one week off.

No. Once the cataract has been removed, and the intra-ocular lens has been inserted, the cataract will not return. There is a condition called 'posterior capsular opacification' which is sometimes referred to as 'after-cataract'. This is because the symptoms are similar to that of a cataract - painless blurred vision. Posterior capsular opacification is when the back portion of the lens capsule frosts a little - one way of thinking about it is that initially after surgery the lens capsule is clear (like a kitchen window), but with time it can cloud a little (like a bathroom window) due to lens epithelial cell proliferation. Mr Neffendorf sees patients with this condition and can perform a laser procedure which usually restores the vision to how it was early after the cataract surgery.

Posterior capsular opacification is when the lens capsule begins to frost, and is also referred to as 'after-cataract'. It can cause blurring of vision. This can be treated with a laser procedure called a YAG capsulotomy. It is performed in clinic by Mr Neffendorf with minimal downtime afterwards.