There are three different types of cataracts. Nuclear, cortical or subcapsular.

– Nuclear sclerotic cataracts usually develop with age. They form deep in the central part of the lens and increase gradually.
– Cortical cataracts can be caused by increased risk factors such as diabetes. This type of cataract begins at the edge of the lens and can be described as gradually moving into the centre in a spoke-like manner. Cortical cataracts can develop quite quickly, over a period of months.
– Subcapsular cataracts can be caused by taking steroid medication, diabetes, radiation or extreme near-sightedness. This type of cataract forms at the back of the lens. It can make vision blurry and make it difficult to see in bright light. Activities such as driving, especially at night, can be particularly difficult.

The most common reason for cataracts is growing older, when natural changes within the lens occur. Most people over the age of 65 have some changes in their lens and the majority of us will develop a cataract in time.

Other common causes of cataracts include; diabetes, medications such as steroid eye drops, and previous eye surgery. There is research into other factors which may affect cataract development such as smoking, lifelong exposure to sunlight and a poor diet lacking antioxidant vitamins. In general, the reason for the cataract will not affect the way it is removed.

Cataracts form over time so that vision gradually deteriorates without treatment.

Because the affected lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens it is not possible for the cataract to return. After weeks or months, you might experience cloudy vision that might be related to cloudiness of the back support of the artificial lens. This could be safely and easily corrected with a laser. If this occurs please contact your optician to get referred to receive this laser treatment.

The benefits of cataract surgery are designed to be permanent. There is a small chance of post-surgery complications which can be dealt with by laser treatment.

Cataract surgery shouldn’t be painful at all. This is because it’s done under local anaesthetic, which means you will be awake during the operation. Most of the time drops will be used to numb the eye. If you’re feeling anxious about cataract surgery, read our guide for some reassuring tips.

This depends on the severity of the cataract, it is best to discuss options with your optician or ophthalmologist who will best advise on the timing of surgery.

Because cataracts form over time, you will notice a gradual reduction in your vision which will start to interfere with your daily activities such as driving with cataracts or reading. If left untreated, cataracts may get worse and cause severe loss of vision.

Most cataracts take months to develop but getting a quick diagnosis is advised if you feel that you are having changes in your vision. Don’t ignore sudden eye problems as seeing an optician for an eye test may save your sight.

The answer to this is entirely dependent on your circumstances. You will need to take into account the cost of private treatment, along with the long waiting times that come with many NHS treatments.

This depends on your circumstances. Private cataract surgery is well worth it if you can afford it. If you have the means, you’ll benefit from much shorter waiting times, along with top quality healthcare that’s tailored to your needs.

The main difference between NHS and private cataract surgery in the UK is the choice of lenses available and the cataract operation waiting times. If using self-pay with Practice Plus Group you will be able to choose a different type of lens, such as a top-up multifocal lens. This is not an option with NHS cataract surgery which uses the standard intraocular distance lens.

At Practice Plus Group you will usually have cataract surgery within seven weeks from the date of the booking enquiry.

You need to feel comfortable with your choice of provider. Some things to bear in mind when making a choice:

– Are you comfortable with the location?
– Is the cost of private cataract surgery competitive?
– Do you have a choice of lenses?
– How quickly can you be seen / have the operation?

Monofocal lenses (also called monofocal IOLs) are a good option for cataract surgery. This is because they have a single focus strength and provide clear distance vision.

After monofocal cataract surgery, distance vision should be greatly improved. If you suffer from short-sightedness, you’ll likely still need to wear glasses or contact lenses to correct this.

This depends entirely on the type of lens you need and your specific condition. Your consultant will be able to discuss the lens that will suit you best.

This depends on the type of lens you receive and any pre-existing eye conditions you have. For example, if you receive a monofocal lens but suffer from short-sightedness, your long distance will be fine, but you’ll still need glasses to correct the pre-existing myopia.

The majority of people will be eligible for cataract surgery. However, there are a handful of occasions where it may not be suitable. These include patients:

– in poor health
– with macular degeneration
– that have advanced diabetes
– with other serious medical conditions.

You should speak to your doctor for more information about eligibility for cataract surgery.

While this can happen, there’s no guarantee. For example, most cataract patients will receive a monofocal lens which typically corrects distance vision. If these patients suffer from short-sightedness, they will still need glasses to correct this.

This depends on how advanced the cataract is. Early-stage cataracts can be treated and their progression slowed by a change in glasses prescription and anti-glare light treatment. For more mature cataracts, surgery is the only solution.

You should be able to drive around 24 hours after surgery provided you meet DVLA requirements.