What is cataract?

Cataract is where the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy so that light is scattered or blocked. This impairs vision. It can be like looking through frosted glass, or there may be glare in bright lights or with night driving.

Symptoms of cataract

  • Blurred vision.
  • Glare or haloes around bright lights.
  • Reduction or loss of colour perception.
  • Reduction or loss of depth perception.
  • Difficulty with vision at night or in dim light.
  • Spectacle prescription changes but glasses no longer improve the vision to a normal standard.
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    Development of cataract

    Normally the lens inside the eye is clear with light being focused on the retina.

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    Development of cataract

    When cataract develops light is scattered and sight becomes less clear. Glare may occur, particularly with night driving.

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    Development of cataract

    Eventually cataract becomes so dense that light is blocked or severely scattered and vision becomes very poor.

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More about cataract

How is cataract treated?

Surgery is the only treatment option because cataract cannot be treated with medication. When the symptoms become significant the cataractous lens is removed surgically and an intraocular lens (IOL) implanted in its place.

When to consider surgery?

The time to consider surgery is when the effects of cataract affect daily activity. For example, when driving it is important to maintain vision within the legal requirement and to be safe, especially at night. Cataract surgery is an elective procedure. However, if cataract is left untreated it will continue to develop and vision will get worse.

Short-sight, long-sight and astigmatism

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For the majority of people cataract surgery is an opportunity to correct or reduce pre-existing short-sight, long-sight and astigmatism. In these cases, cataract treatment has the potential to provide better vision than was previously experienced (without glasses) before cataract developed.

Why choose Julian Stevens?

Julian Stevens performs small-incision surgery using femtosecond laser cataract surgery (femto-phako). This is the most sophisticated technique and Mr Stevens has an excellent reputation for clinical knowledge, expertise and results.

Clinical excellence

  • Julian Stevens is highly experienced, having performed cataract surgery for more than 20 years. He has performed over 21,000 lens implant procedures.

  • You will meet Mr Stevens at your initial consultation, where he will discuss personalised treatment options with you.

  • Astigmatism correction or reduction is offered by Mr Stevens.

  • The lens implant is carefully chosen and calculated by Mr Stevens specifically for you. Premium aspheric lens implants (including advanced multifocals) are offered if appropriate.

  • A specialist and highly knowledgeable team work closely with Mr Stevens, offering you the best possible service and care.

Reputation

  • Julian Stevens is professionally recognised for his commitment to using the most advanced technology available. He is a key contributor to the development of femtosecond laser cataract surgery and he uses the state-of-the-art Catalys system.

  • Mr Stevens has an international reputation for achieving excellent results. This reputation attracts many medical practitioners for their own treatment, including GPs, Consultants and Optometrists.

  • Julian Stevens has an exceptional academic background, graduating from Oxford, and then undertaking further clinical training at Cambridge and higher specialist training at Moorfields.

Trust

  • Mr Stevens performs his treatments at Centre for Sight London. This specialist ophthalmic clinic offers you the highest level of safety and peace of mind.

  • Julian Stevens audits his results and has a reassuring track record for achieving a very low complication rate for cataract surgery.

  • Higher surgical specialist training and continual review ensure the highest level of clinical expertise.

More reasons to choose Julian Stevens

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery (femto-phako)

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Traditional cataract surgery is known as phakoemulsification (phako) or small-incision surgery. The most advanced small-incision cataract procedure is laser cataract surgery, where a femtosecond laser is used to complete some of the steps previously performed by the surgeon. This technique has great precision and is often referred to as “femto-phako”.

Advantages of femtosecond laser cataract surgery:

  • The Catalys femtosecond laser has great precision and is potentially more consistent than a human surgeon performing the same steps manually.
  • The procedure is quick and efficient.
  • Normally immediate return of vision after surgery.
  • Usually no stitch required.
  • Performing some of the steps with the femtosecond laser normally results in less or no ultrasound energy used.
  • Up to a certain level of astigmatism can be treated or reduced by the laser at the time of surgery.
Advantages of femtosecond laser cataract surgery

The femto-phako procedure

Femto-phako surgery normally involves a fast recovery of vision and a lack of pain or discomfort. Each treatment is customised to the individual eye and aims to provide high quality of vision after surgery. The Catalys femtosecond laser system is used during the first stage of the procedure to complete some of the steps previously performed using hand-held instruments.

Anaesthesia
This is either local or occasionally general anaesthesia. Most choose local anaesthesia because there is no needle injection and sedation can be administered to relax you during the procedure.

Treatment time
The laser part of the procedure takes about three minutes. This is followed by about 8 - 15 minutes in the main operating theatre to complete the procedure.

Stage 1
The laser gently creates a circular opening in the lens of the eye, and the cataract is then softened and fragmented by the laser. Astigmatism is then treated by the laser changing the shape of the cornea at the front of the eye. Then a small self-sealing incision (1.8 to 2.7mm wide) is made in the cornea using the laser or a purpose designed micro-surgical instrument.

Stage 2
The latest AMO Signature machine is used to remove the cataractous lens fragments.

Stage 3
The capsule that holds the natural lens is carefully preserved during surgery.

Stage 4
A modern folding lens implant is inserted. This is usually folded inside an injector device, to enable it to pass through the small incision.

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    Removal of the cataract

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More about the procedure

The lens implant

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The intraocular lens implant used to replace the cataractous human lens during surgery is designed to allow very sharp vision, if all other circumstances allow this. Julian Stevens uses only the best and most advanced lenses available, aiming to deliver the highest quality vision. The lens implant is expected to last a lifetime.

Monofocal lenses
A monofocal lens aims to give clear vision at a single focus. This means that if the lens implant is set for clear distance vision then reading glasses will normally be required. Usually the lens implant is chosen to aim for clear distance vision or set at a different focus in each eye (blended vision or monovision). Monovision works well if the recipient is already used to this with previous contact lens wearing.

Multifocal lenses
These are lens implants with focus for both distance and middle, as well as for some near vision. They have the potential to significantly reduce dependence on reading glasses and are very popular. However, multifocal lenses involve some compromise, with certain optical effects such as a mild glow or halo around lights and there can be glare with bright lights. There can also be some reduction in the contrast of vision. Many people tolerate this to gain the benefit of having distance, middle and some near unaided vision.

Aspheric lenses
State-of-the-art aspheric lenses are designed to optimise vision and may improve optical quality in low contrast conditions or when driving at night. These premium lenses provide a sharper focus of vision for some people and can be monofocal or multifocal.

Types of lens implants

Technology

Mr Stevens and his team use advanced technology designed for the best clinical outcome and for your safety and reassurance.

Optical biometry
Biometry is the measurement of the eye to assess the lens implant strength required. The curvature of the cornea at the front of the eye and the length of the eye are assessed before surgery. This may be done either by OCT optical biometry or ultrasound. OCT optical biometry is more accurate than ultrasound biometry and results in more precise lens implantation calculations. Ultrasound biometry is only used when the cataract is very dense.

Advanced biometry calculations
Biometry scanning is combined with the latest generation of calculation software for the most precise outcomes. This includes one of the latest advanced formulae (BESSt formula), which is used in special circumstances by surgeons around the world. This was developed by Julian Stevens together with Dr Edmondo Borassio and Mr Guy Smith.

Corneal topography
All patients prior to surgery have the shape of the cornea and astigmatism measured at the front of the eye; this is called corneal topography assessment. This scan is used when choosing the type of lens implant.

Phakoemulsification
The latest AMO Signature phakoemulsification machine is used for the procedure, with advanced fluidics and pressure control. It uses minimal energy with shaped micropulse ultrasound to remove the cataractous lens.

Femtosecond laser technology

A femtosecond laser is an ultrafast pulsed laser, which has great precision. Mr Stevens and his team use the Catalys femtosecond laser system from Optimedica to perform the first stage of the procedure.

Advanced 3D imaging
Like a fingerprint, every eye has a unique size and shape. Prior to treatment, the Catalys femtosecond laser system images your eye and makes precise 3D maps of relevant structures. This provides a customised treatment plan for each eye.

Laser precision
Catalys helps the surgeon to create a perfectly sized, shaped and centered circular opening to access and remove the cataract. This precision helps Mr Stevens place the new artificial lens exactly where intended. Correct positioning of the chosen lens implant is very important as this will affect the result.

Gentle approach
The laser can be used to soften and disassemble the cataract prior to removal. Softening the lens with the Catalys enables Mr Stevens to remove the cataract more gently and with significantly less ultrasound energy than is used in traditional manual cataract surgery.

Astigmatism
The laser can also be focused into the cornea at the front of the eye, aiming to reduce pre-existing astigmatism.

More about technology

What affects the outcome?

The skill and expertise of the surgeon is the biggest factor in the outcome of your treatment. Mr Stevens monitors the quality of vision achieved and audits his results. Learn more about Julian Stevens.

The outcome of any cataract surgery is also dependent upon:

  • The accuracy of measurements and calculations for the lens implant power (biometry).
  • The type of lens implant used.
  • Laser cataract surgery.
  • The technology and phako equipment.
  • The co-operation of the patient during the procedure.
  • The natural healing process of the eye itself.
  • The presence of other ocular conditions affecting the prognosis after cataract surgery.
More factors that affect your result

Your cataract consultation

Your consultation is a thorough assessment of your vision and your visual needs and normally lasts two hours. When you meet with Mr Stevens you will be advised about your eyes and whether surgery is required. If surgery is planned, Mr Stevens will recommend suitable lenses based on your individual requirements.

What to expect
Your initial consultation involves an assessment of your vision and a full eye examination. You will have a detailed sight test, advanced biometry measurements, corneal topography and pressure checks. Dilating drops may be used, which might blur vision for a number of hours.

Mr Stevens' team
Mr Stevens’ Specialist Optometrist and Ophthalmic Technician will take measurements during your consultation. These involve high skill and accuracy and provide Mr Stevens with the detailed information he needs to discuss treatment options with you. The lens implant type and power is very carefully calculated prior to treatment .

Personalised treatment discussion with Mr Stevens
As well as reviewing your eyes and assessing all the objective scans and measurements, Mr Stevens will discuss a detailed assessment of your individual visual requirements. This takes into account your age, occupation, lifestyle and expectations. Cataract surgery is an opportunity to correct or reduce pre-existing short-sight, long-sight and astigmatism, which Mr Stevens will discuss with you. You will have the opportunity to raise any concerns and ask any questions.

What happens at your initial consultation?

Your treatment and aftercare

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If you would like more information about what happens on the day of surgery and what to expect in the days, weeks and months that follow, please refer to our Cataract Surgery information booklet, available at the bottom of the page. If you plan to stay in London overnight, we can recommend [hotels and restaurants near Regents Park / Queen Anne Street W1.

YAG laser treatment

Months or years after cataract surgery approximately 50% of people have a laser treatment to clear a cloudy lens capsule, which is causing blurred vision. This is a separate procedure called YAG capsulotomy and is performed by Mr Stevens. YAG capsulotomy is very quick, highly effective and does not normally need to be repeated.

Please be advised that if YAG laser treatment is required, this is not included in the cataract procedure fee. The fees for YAG assessment and treatment can be found on our prices page.

Possible complications

Mr Stevens has an excellent track record for achieving a very low complication rate for cataract surgery. However all surgery carries some risk.

Serious complications permanently affecting vision are rare and are lowest with a specialist experienced cataract surgeon. Lesser complications (that are treatable or which resolve over time) occur at about 1% using the latest equipment. About 0.1% (1 in 1000) may lose some degree of vision as a result of a complication attributed to surgery.

For most people the quality of vision achieved after surgery is positively life changing. However all cataract surgery has some degree of unpredictability.

Please refer to our Cataract Surgery information booklet for more detailed information. You should read all the information given to you about possible complications before undergoing any treatment.

More about possible complications

Frequently asked questions

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Why have I developed cataract?
The ageing of the lens inside the eye is normal, like the rest of the body.

Am I young to have developed cataract?
Cataracts can develop at any age. Some new-born infants have cataracts from birth and may need surgery as early as the first week of life.

Is cataract surgery safe?
When performed by a skilled specialist cataract surgeon with modern equipment, small-incision surgery has a low risk of serious complication (1 in 1000).

About the procedure

Does the procedure hurt?
There is no pain during the procedure, though there may be a feeling of pressure.

Can I have both eyes treated on the same day?
Internationally many surgeons operate on both eyes in one treatment session, or surgery can be performed to one eye at a time. Mr Stevens will give individual advice.

How does femtosecond laser cataract surgery differ from traditional cataract surgery?
Femto-phako is where an ultrafast pulsed femtosecond laser is used to complete some of the steps previously performed by the surgeon using handheld instruments. The femto-phako technique has great precision.

How long does the treatment take?
It is not a race; treatment takes as long as necessary. Normally you will be in the theatre suite for a total of 8 - 15 minutes.

Will I need to be in London overnight?
There is usually no check-up the next day so it is not necessary to be in London overnight. However if you do choose to stay in London we can recommend [hotels and restaurants near Regents Park / Queen Anne Street W1. For those who are having both eyes treated on the same day it is common to have a check-up the next day.

About after treatment

How quickly will I see after surgery?
Normally the vision is soft focus immediately after surgery and the next day vision is often good.

When can I drive?
Mr Stevens will advise depending upon your individual circumstances, with most people driving again only after both eyes have been treated. When only one eye is being treated driving usually commences a few days after surgery.

When can I work?
This depends upon your occupation. Most people with office-based occupations resume work within a few days or a week. Those who work in a dusty environment may need two to four weeks off work.

Are activities restricted after surgery?
Common sense needs to be applied but people can bend over, wash, shop and carry out general activities. On the day following surgery you can take a bath or shower and use a computer. Sports can be resumed after a few weeks or a month. Flying as a passenger can be done the day after surgery but as a pilot the necessary licensing needs to be completed before flying resumes.

Will I still need to wear glasses?
Many people do not need to wear distance glasses after modern cataract surgery, but this is not guaranteed. If there is clear distance vision, reading glasses are normally required unless there is a multifocal lens implant or monovision. For those with a multifocal implant or monovision, glasses may still be required for some tasks.

About the long term

Does cataract return after surgery?
No, and the lens implant is expected to last a lifetime.

Will I need to go back to my optician after surgery?
After your follow-up appointment(s) with Julian Stevens are complete you should return to the care of your local optician for long-term sight testing and regular review of your eyes.

More frequently asked questions

Cataract Surgery information booklet

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Cataract Surgery after radial keratotomy, laser eye surgery or corneal refractive surgery information booklet

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