Cataract Surgery
Oaks Hospital offers a range of ophthalmic services
including cataract surgery.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is formed when the natural lens within the eye
becomes cloudy or opaque. It may cause blurred vision or
change the focus of the eye, and may cause increasing difficulty
with daily tasks.
Cataracts can seriously affect quality of life. If your GP or
optician has diagnosed a cataract and it is interfering with your
daily life in activities such as reading, watching television or
driving, it may be time to consider surgery.
What is cataract surgery?
A cataract can be removed by an operation where it is
then replaced with a clear artificial lens implant.
Your surgeon will discuss the type of lens to be used
before the procedure. Implants have been used for many years and
are regarded as safe, stable and long lasting.
Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic as
a day case procedure.
How quickly is sight restored?
Some improvement in vision should be apparent the day after
surgery. Clarity will increase over a further period of time and
most patients make a good recovery with improved vision.
Occasionally cataract surgery may not be effective but the
reasons for this will be explained by your consultant at the
initial consultation.
How to access cataract surgery at Oaks Hospital,
Colchester
After diagnosis by your GP or optician, you will need to be
referred to a consultant ophthalmologist for an outpatient clinic
appointment. Your surgeon will discuss the operation and the
technique that will be used to remove the
cataract. Pre-operative tests will be organised and eye
measurements will need to be taken for the lens implant.
If you do not have private medical insurance, cataract surgery
is available at Oaks Hospital through our Fixed Cost Care
Scheme for self-paying patients.
To find out more about ophthalmic services, consultants and
cataract surgery at Oaks Hospital please contact us via our
online form or call our Hospital
Services Advisors on 01206 753 245.