Cataracts

Supporting patients with common eye problems and complex ophthalmic issues

Cataracts are a discolouration and cloudiness in the lens of the eye. They can cause blurred vision, glare, difficulty driving at night and a general blunting of the vividness of colour and detail in the world around us. The problem can occur at any age, but is more common as you get older.

As soon as you find that your vision is stopping you doing the things you like and need to do on a daily basis, then it is a good time to speak with one of our world-class team of experts in eye care. If you are diagnosed with cataracts it does not automatically mean that they have to be removed. Our highly qualified and experienced surgeons will encourage you to think about how the cataracts and blurred vision affect your day-to-day life. If it does not affect you excessively, then surgery may not be the right option at this time. We will always ensure we review your case before we move forwards with surgery.

Effective surgical options

If surgery is the right way to proceed, then we will offer you a bespoke and personalised treatment plan for your cataract problem, supported by the latest surgical technology and clinical expertise.

We offer a highly technical and precise technique called phacoemulsification to the majority of our patients. This painless procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. During surgery we will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a high quality plastic lens implant, restoring your vision quickly.

A choice of lens that’s right for you

Choosing the right lens is very important. You will have access to all types of replacement lens implants to ensure the best chance of regaining your vision, including high quality distance implants, astigmatism correcting implants and multifocal lenses.

For patients who would like to be less dependent on spectacles for their hobbies, reading and computer work, our experienced team can discuss the latest technology in multifocal implants to see if you may be suitable for this type of implant.

Your surgeon will have an expert understanding of the choices available and will be able to make recommendations on the best option for you.

Solutions for complex eye problems

We can also support you if you are suffering from any other eye problems in addition to cataracts.

If you have glaucoma and cataracts, we can offer you the latest in combined cataract surgery and pressure lowering treatment, known as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

This can be an opportunity to reduce your need for or get rid of pressure lowering drops for your glaucoma. Our glaucoma and cataract surgeons are at the forefront of these types of procedures and have received national and international recognition.

If you have a problem in your retina, are diabetic or have had previous LASIK or laser correction, you may need more than a routine cataract operation. At Imperial College Healthcare Private Care, we offer access to highly respected cataract surgeons who also treat retinal and corneal conditions and will be the right expert for your eye problems.

Expert consultant team

All our cataract surgeons have undergone rigorous selection to become a consultant at the renowned Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and are highly experienced in all grades of cataract surgery – from the routine to the highly complex.

If you require a general anaesthetic, we work in close collaboration with our highly experienced anaesthetic consultant colleagues, so you will be in safe hands throughout any procedure.

Excellent outcomes

We publish our NHS cataract outcomes by contributing to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists national database with full transparency of the excellent and safe surgery we offer.

Each consultant cataract surgeon can share their individual outcome data with you. Please be assured that all Imperial College Healthcare Private Care cataract surgeons have been vetted to the highest standard and are appraised annually.