There are a number of treatment options available at Eye Care Scotland for cataract surgery. We have cataract specialists at Eye Care Scotland in Glasgow, Stirling, and Aberdeen, meaning wherever you are, there is a cataract treatment service near you. Cataracts are removed with surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced by an artificial lens. This artificial lens is called an intraocular implant - often referred to as an IOL. There are two methods of cataract surgery.
Standard Cataract Surgery
The first, and most common, means of cataract surgery is standard cataract surgery carried out using phacoemulsification – a means of removing cataracts with an instrument which uses sound waves to break up the lens in your eye. Most cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you will be awake during the operation without feeling any pain. This local anaesthetic can be delivered through eye drops, an injection, or a combination of both.
Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery *
Laser assisted cataract surgery is an advanced type of cataract surgery that uses femtosecond laser technology. Using this laser technology for cataract surgery enables an even higher level of precision and accuracy, potentially reducing certain risks and improving visual outcomes of cataract surgery.
When having cataract surgery, there are a range of IOL options which you can choose from to have implanted. These lens options will be explained to you by your cataract specialist, and the choice will be dependent on numerous factors including prescription and lifestyle. These lens options are as follows:
Standard Lens
A standard lens (standard IOL) is used in cataract surgery to replace the lens removed from the eye. The standard lens is used to improve distance vision, but cannot correct astigmatism, near, or intermediate vision. Therefore, those with any of these will still require glasses after their surgery.
Toric Lens
A toric lens (toric IOL) is used in cataract surgery to replace the lens removed from the eye when you have astigmatism. Astigmatism is when there is either an abnormal curvature of the cornea or lens. Essentially, the eye’s shape resembles more of a rugby ball than a football; more oval-like. Toric lenses are monofocal, and hence have a set range which is either close, medium, or far. As such, you may still need reading glasses if seeing up close becomes difficult.
Multifocal Lens
A multifocal lens (multifocal IOL) is used in cataract surgery to replace the lens removed from the eye when you are either near-sighted (myopia) or far-sighted (hyperopia). Multifocal lenses are used to correct multiple distances simultaneously – near, medium, and far – through the use of one lens. Therefore, those with myopia and hyperopia are suitable for multifocal lenses, with those who have trouble reading up close benefitting from these lenses in particular. This is an ideal option for patients wishing to reduce spectacle dependence.
*Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery is only available at Eye Care Scotland, Glasgow, located at Ross Hall Clinic Braehead. If a patient chooses this treatment option and it is unavailable at their chosen Eye Care Scotland location, they can be referred to Eye Care Scotland, Glasgow.