Treatment for Cataracts

Self-help

Due to their slow development, cataracts do not necessarily require medical intervention straight away. Early on, or while you wait for surgery, there are lots of non-invasive ways to manage your condition. You can:

• Use brighter lights at home or work where possible
• Change to a stronger eyewear prescription
• Wear anti-glare sunglasses, especially when driving in the day
• Use a magnifying glass for reading and other activities

Surgery

Ultimately, surgery is the only definitive treatment to remove cataracts in the long-term. 9 out of 10 people who get cataract surgery can see better afterwards, which is a really strong success rate.

Surgery is recommended when cataracts start to negatively impact your daily life, if not sooner. For example, if you are reaching a standard of vision where you can no longer safely drive, work, or read, you should inform a medical professional as soon as possible. It's imperative to talk through all the options available with your eye doctor. You may not need to rush to have surgery due to the slow onset of cataracts.

During the surgery itself, the doctor removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial lens (also called an intraocular lens, or IOL). The operation is typically done under local anaesthetic, meaning that you'll be awake but you should not feel any pain. All in all, the surgery is finished after 20 - 45 minutes.