Cataract & Cataract Surgery
A routine eye examination with one of our Optometrists includes a free cataract screening - and if surgery is the right next step, we formally refer you to Mr David Anderson, Consultant Ophthalmologist, for a surgical consultation.
What is a cataract?
A clouded natural lens
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which blurs vision and can make lights glare or halo - most often age-related, and something that will affect most of us sooner or later.
Usually gradual
Cataracts typically develop slowly over months or years, though occasionally faster, gradually affecting everyday things like driving, reading or watching the TV or sport.
Earlier treatment is now normal
Modern cataract surgery works well at any stage - you no longer need to wait until your sight has deteriorated badly before it's worth doing something about it.
What happens during surgery
A quick, well-established procedure, almost always done as a day case.
Drops, not an injection
Local anaesthetic and pupil-dilating drops - no needles, and you're awake throughout.
The cloudy lens is removed
A gentle ultrasound technique (phacoemulsification) softens and removes the cloudy lens through a tiny opening.
A new lens is fitted
A clear artificial lens, chosen with you in advance, is inserted through the same small opening.
In and out the same day
The procedure itself takes around 15-20 minutes, followed by a short rest in a private recovery room.
Choosing your replacement lens
There's a trade-off between image quality, range of vision and spectacle independence - we'll help you weigh it up before surgery.
Monofocal
The sharpest image quality at one distance, usually set for clear distance vision - reading glasses are still needed for close work.
Extended depth of focus (EDoF)
Stretches useful focus into the intermediate range, reducing - though not always removing - the need for glasses at arm's length.
EDoF+ (Vivity)
A newer non-diffractive design giving a smoother, wider range of comfortable intermediate vision than standard EDoF lenses.
Diffractive multifocal
The greatest chance of spectacle independence across distances, with a small trade-off of possible glare or halos around lights at night.
Recovery, step by step
Day 1-2
Vision noticeably improves, and most people are back to their normal routine quickly.
Week 1
Avoid strenuous lifting and gardening, and skip eye makeup - other make-up is fine after 48 hours.
2-3 weeks
Avoid vigorous exercise; gentle walking and stretching are fine. A follow-up appointment is arranged for around this point.
1 month
Swimming and more strenuous gym, yoga or Pilates sessions can usually resume - your optometrist can also check if new glasses are needed.
Risks, honestly
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful operations worldwide. As with any surgery there are risks - including infection, macular oedema, floaters or retinal detachment - but these are low, and we’ll talk through them with you in full before you decide to go ahead.
From screening to surgery
Book an eye examination
Start with a routine eye examination with one of our Optometrists - it includes a free cataract screening, with some extra measurements and general information if a cataract is found.
A formal referral
If surgery looks like the right next step, your Optometrist formally refers you to Mr Anderson, Consultant Ophthalmologist.
Consultation with Mr Anderson
Mr Anderson's own secretary is in touch directly to arrange your surgical consultation here in Jersey - we don't hold his appointment book ourselves, so this step happens outside our online booking.
Surgery in Southampton, aftercare at home
If you decide to go ahead, surgery takes place at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital, Southampton, with follow-up appointments arranged back here in Jersey.