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Cataracts are a common eye condition that cause clouding of the eye lens. According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), cataracts affect around 2.5 million people aged 65 and over in the UK – and are a leading cause of blindness in the UK. For this reason, if you have cataracts affecting your vision, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
With that said, we’ve partnered with independent healthcare provider, Optegra, to explore seven life-changing benefits of cataract surgery.
Optegra are laser eye surgery and vision correction specialists with 18 dedicated eye hospitals and clinics across the UK. Combining world-renowned surgeons with the latest technology and treatment, you can feel confident that you’ll be in safe hands with Optegra.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are a common eye condition affecting the eye’s natural lens, which sits behind the pupil and the iris (the coloured part of the eye). With age, our eye lenses gradually become less transparent. This clouding is known as a cataract and can obstruct the passage of light into the eye and cause blurry vision.
Cataracts are highly common and, according to the World Health Organization, are the leading cause of blindness globally. Most cases are age-related, with a large percentage of people over 60 likely to experience some level of cataract development. Therefore, Optegra highlights the importance of regular eye examinations, as early detection of cataracts is key for preserving vision and quality of life.
That said, cataracts can be caused by other factors apart from age – such as injury, genetics, and underlying health conditions like diabetes.
There are also three main types of cataracts, which we’ll cover below…
- Nuclear cataracts – This type of cataract is typically due to age and tends to happen gradually. It happens when a cataract forms deep in the central area of the lens.
- Cortical cataracts – These begin at the edge of the lens, known as the lens cortex, and gradually move towards the centre. Cortical cataracts can be caused by risk factors such as diabetes and tend to develop fairly quickly, over the course of a few months.
- Subcapsular cataracts – Develop at the back of the lens and can make it particularly difficult to see bright lights. Subcapsular cataracts can be caused by radiation, steroid medication, diabetes, or extreme near-sightedness.
You can read more about the different types of cataracts on Optergra’s website
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Cataracts can cause various symptoms. However, everyone’s experience will be different and you may not suffer from them all.
According to Optegra, common symptoms include…
- Cloudy and/or blurred vision
- Seeing double or multiple images from one eye
- Colours appearing faded
- Having to change your glasses or contact lenses fairly regularly as a result of your prescription altering
- Poor night vision – for example, struggling to see when the light starts to fade
- Struggling with bright lights – for example, finding it difficult to drive at night due to glare caused by oncoming headlights
It’s not uncommon for cataracts to remain undetected for a while. For example, if a cataract only affects a small area of the eye lens, you may not notice vision loss straight away. However, as more of the lens is affected over time, symptoms tend to become more noticeable.
According to Optegra, it’s important to book an appointment with an optician or ophthalmic surgeon as soon as you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above. They’ll be able to confirm whether you have cataracts and advise if surgery could be right for you.
What does cataract surgery involve?
The good news is that cataracts are easy to treat. While the only treatment option is surgery, the process is usually straightforward – and involves making a tiny incision in the eye so the surgeon can remove the clouded lens. The clouded lens is then replaced with a synthetic intraocular lens (IOL), which restores vision.
There are different types of cataract surgery, including standard, enhanced, and advanced. The right treatment for you will depend on the type of cataracts you have – and whether you seek treatment privately or via the NHS.
It’s worth noting that a cataract doesn’t have to be removed simply because it’s present. If your cataract has no real impact on your daily life, experts advise against surgery unless your vision becomes impacted.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Undergoing surgery can be stressful and, particularly when it comes to our eyes – which are so sensitive and important – we might feel reluctant.
However, the good news is that complications from cataract surgery are very rare. For example, between 2021 and 2022, 99% of Optegra patients reported zero complications following surgery.
That said, although generally low risk, the NHS estimates that around one in 50 people do develop complications. This can include blurred vision, some vision loss, and a detached retina. However, most complications can be treated with medication or further surgery. The risk of permanent sight loss as a direct result of cataract surgery is also very low – around one in 1,000. You can read more about the safety of cataract surgery on Optegra’s website.
As well as being low-risk, cataract surgery is also quick and painless. The procedure usually takes around 15 minutes (for both eyes) and, although you’ll remain awake, the eye area is numbed with a local anesthetic. In some cases, a sedative may also be given to make the process as stress-free as possible. Your surgeon will also check on your comfort throughout.
Pain after cataract surgery is rare and it typically has a quick recovery time. Most people are able to go home the same day as their surgery, with feeling returning to the eyes within a few hours. Side effects such as grittiness, watering, blurred vision, and double vision are normal but usually improve within a few days. Optegra says that 88% of their patients could carry out their normal activities a few days after treatment.
That said, it’s important to note that everyone recovers differently and it can take four to six weeks to recover fully. Though, Optegra has information about things you can do to smooth the recovery process on their website.
For more reassurance, you might like to read Optegra’s article, Is cataract surgery painful?
7 life-changing benefits of cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is safe and simple, and can significantly improve quality of life.
We’ve listed some of the main benefits of cataract surgery below.
1. Cataract surgery provides long-term results
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the UK. It has a high success rate and offers long-term results.
At Optegra, for example, 35,000 cataract procedures are carried out every year with a success rate of 99.6%. Plus, the intraocular lens (IOL) used in cataract surgery is a permanent solution, so, once you’ve had your natural lens removed, cataracts won’t return.
Former boxing champion, Ricky Hatton, previously had lens replacement treatment (a similar procedure to cataract surgery) at Optegra and described the experience as life changing.
He says, “Even on the day of the operation I could tell there was a big improvement, my vision was considerably different. By day two it was pretty much bang on perfect, but over the next few weeks my eyesight just got better and better, and now I can see brilliantly!”
2. Cataract surgery can reduce glare and halos in vision
Some of the most common symptoms of cataracts include an increased sensitivity to glare and the presence of halos around bright lights. This can be particularly problematic when driving at night, as glare produced by the headlights of oncoming vehicles can be dazzling.
Cataract surgery can significantly reduce or even eliminate glare and halos, allowing many people to be more independent.
3. Cataract surgery may reduce the risk of falls
Because of the impact that cataracts can have on vision, the condition can put people at greater risk of falls. By improving vision, cataract surgery can help to improve balance issues and reduce the risk of falls.
4. Cataract surgery can reduce dependence on glasses
Depending on the type of IOL you choose, having cataract surgery can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses.
It’s important to note that most NHS hospitals use a standard monofocal lens due to cost restrictions. This lens usually aims to correct distance vision only and patients may need glasses for intermediate, near vision, and distance vision following treatment.
Private cataract surgery, on the other hand, offers a range of options, including enhanced monofocal lenses, that can correct vision and reduce the need for glasses. You can read more about cataract surgery options in this booklet from Optegra.
5. Cataract surgery can improve colour perception
If left untreated, cataracts may begin to affect your ability to perceive colours accurately, which can make things appear drab and faded. By restoring clear vision, cataract surgery may allow you to see vibrant colours again.
Premium intraocular lenses can also improve your ability to distinguish contrast between shades of light and dark. This can make it easier to see details in low-contrast or low-light environments, such as on dark roads at night.
6. Cataract surgery can improve health and quality of life
Having cataracts can make daily tasks – such as interacting with loved ones and enjoying hobbies – feel difficult. And research has found that, in some cases, this can cause social isolation and an increased risk of depression.
But, luckily, having cataract surgery can significantly improve a person’s quality of life. Most obviously, by improving vision, many people are able to resume daily activities, like reading and watching TV, with ease.
Other benefits include an improved social life and better mental health. One study even found that cataract surgery was linked with an almost 30% lower risk of developing dementia.
These findings can be summarised by the results of this survey, which found that 84% of people reported having an improved quality of life following cataract surgery.
7. Cataract surgery makes driving safer
Many people with cataracts notice that their vision is affected by glare. While this can be caused by sunlight during the day, it’s often worse when driving at night. It can be more difficult to spot hazards on the road and the lights of oncoming vehicles can appear dazzling.
Naturally, this can make driving with cataracts unsafe. But, the level of impact can depend on various factors, such as the type of cataract you’re suffering from and how advanced it is.
The good news is that cataract surgery can significantly improve night vision – making night driving safer for yourself and other road users. According to Optegra, cataract surgery can improve driving by reducing glare and sensitivity, improving depth perception, and enhancing colour vision.
You can find more information about driving after cataract surgery on Optegra’s website.
Many people find that cataract surgery allows them to walk safely in low lights too.
How much does cataract surgery cost?
The average cost of private standard cataract surgery in the UK ranges from £3,000 to £4,000 per eye. However, prices can vary by location and the type of cataracts you have.
At Optegra, cataract procedures are available privately or through the NHS. Private cataract surgery is often preferable as, not only can NHS waiting lists be long, but NHS surgery is aimed only at removing the cataract, rather than vision correction. In contrast, private cataract surgery offers various intraocular lens options, which aim to improve long-term vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. You can read more about the key differences between private and NHS cataract surgery on Optegra’s website.
Optegra offers clear prices for different types of cataract surgery, with standard cataract treatment starting from £2,795 per eye. They also offer a range of helpful finance options to make private cataract surgery as accessible as possible to those in need. This includes the option of paying up to 24 months completely interest free. You can read more about Optegra’s finance options on their website.
Performed in dedicated eye hospitals with industry-renowned cataract surgeons, Optegra prides itself on being dedicated to every patient. Consultants are supported by specialist teams with years of expertise to provide the best care before, during, and after cataract surgery.
Final thoughts…
Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in the UK, so it’s important to seek treatment if they’re affecting your vision. Luckily, cataract surgery is quick, painless, and has a high success rate. Plus, with providers like Ortega offering flexible finance options for private surgery, treatment may be more accessible than you think.
For more information about having cataracts surgery with Ortega, head over to their website.
For further reading, head over to the eye health and vision section of our website.