Why Do Cataracts Happen?
The most common reason is aging. After about age 40, proteins in the lens start to break down, and over time the lens becomes cloudy. Other factors include:
- Family history of cataracts
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Long-term sun exposure without UV protection
- Certain medications (like steroids)
- Previous eye injury or surgery
Do Cataracts Cause Blindness?
If untreated, cataracts can lead to significant vision loss. However, they do not cause pain and usually develop slowly. The good news: cataracts can be safely treated with surgery, which replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. This is one of the most common and successful surgeries worldwide.
Can You Prevent Cataracts?
You can’t completely prevent them, but you can slow their development by:
- Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays
- Controlling health conditions like diabetes
- Avoiding smoking
- Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, broccoli, spinach, carrots, lettuce and cabbage etc.
What Does Cataract Surgery Involve?
Cataract surgery is a common day procedure designed to restore clear vision by removing the eye’s cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Here’s what it typically involves:
Before Surgery
- Eye Measurements: Your ophthalmologist/ ophthalmic trained nurse measures your eye to select the correct IOL power. Sometimes a special lens may be required, your ophthalmologist will discuss your options fully before your procedure. (These lenses can come at different prices)
- Medication Review: You’ll discuss any medications you take; some may need to be paused. Also, any allergies will need to be discussed at this stage.
- Eye Drops: Prescribed drops help prevent infection and reduce swelling.
During Surgery
- Incisions: Tiny, self-sealing cuts are made near the cornea.
- Lens Removal: The surgeon uses ultrasound (phacoemulsification) or other techniques to break up and remove the cloudy lens.
- Lens Replacement: A clear artificial lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye.
- Duration: The procedure usually takes about 15–30 minutes, and you remain awake but comfortable.
After Surgery
- Recovery: You will go home on the same day; it is important that you have somebody to take you home as you will not be permitted to drive. Vision often improves within a few days. Sometimes it is reassuring if you can have a friend or family member to stay with you on the night of surgery as you will have your eye covered until the following morning.
- Protection: A shield may be placed over your eye initially.
- Follow-Up: You might be prescribed eye drops and attend check-ups to monitor healing.
We’re proud to be the first private clinic in Northern Ireland to offer “dropless” cataract surgery.
After cataract surgery, most patients need to use eye drops for several weeks, which can be tricky for some people. With this new technique, those drops may not be needed. Your consultant will explain how it works and whether it’s a good option for you.
Cataract surgery is considered very safe, with a high success rate (over 95% experience improved vision). Risks are rare but can include infection, swelling, or retinal issues.
How Will Cataract Surgery Improve Your Eyesight?
After surgery, your vision will still be a little blurry for a few days – this is entirely normal. You will be required to use eye drops after the operation, and a post-operation examination will determine how long this course of treatment will be required.
Once this subsides, your vision will have improved – colours will be brighter, your vision will be clearer, and everyday activities such as reading and driving should be no problem. Because the implanted lens cannot focus at different distances, you may need glasses for near vision or distance vision (or both), but this is a small price to pay for drastically improved eyesight.
Glaucoma Procedures
MIGS
What is MIGS Surgery?
MIGS stands for Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery. It’s a modern approach to treating glaucoma, a condition where pressure inside the eye becomes too high and can damage your vision.
Why is MIGS Done?
The goal of MIGS is to lower eye pressure safely and effectively. Unlike traditional glaucoma surgeries, MIGS uses tiny devices and very small incisions, which means:
- Less trauma to the eye
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of complications
How Does It Work?
During MIGS, your surgeon uses microscopic tools to improve the eye’s natural drainage system. This helps fluid leave the eye more easily, reducing pressure. Sometimes, a tiny stent or implant is placed to keep the drainage pathway open.
What to Expect
- Quick procedure usually combined with cataract surgery: so, you only need one operation.
- Fast recovery:
Benefits
- Safer and gentler than traditional glaucoma surgery
- Helps protect your vision for the long term
- Minimal discomfort and quicker healing
Glaucoma laser
What is Glaucoma Laser Treatment?
Glaucoma is an eye condition where pressure inside the eye becomes too high, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Laser treatment is a safe and effective way to help lower this pressure.
How Does It Work?
Your eye doctor uses a special laser to improve how fluid drains from your eye. This helps reduce eye pressure. There are different types of laser treatments, but the most common are:
- SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty): For open-angle glaucoma, it gently treats the eye’s drainage system.
- LPI (Laser Peripheral Iridotomy): For angle-closure glaucoma, it creates a tiny opening in the iris to improve fluid flow.
What Happens During the Procedure?
- Numbing drops are placed in your eye.
- A special lens is used to guide the laser.
- The laser is applied to help fluid drain better. The procedure is quick (usually just a few minutes) and most people feel little or no discomfort.
Recovery
- You can go home the same day.
- Your vision may be blurry for a few hours, so please ensure you have somebody to drive you home.
- Most people return to normal activities the next day.
Benefits
- Helps lower eye pressure and protect your vision.
- Minimally invasive and quick recovery.
- May reduce the need for daily eye drops.
Things to Know
- You may still need glaucoma medication after treatment.
- Results can last for years, but sometimes repeat treatments are needed.
- Side effects are usually mild, like temporary redness or irritation.
Contact Hillsborough Private Clinic today to book your appointment
We use the latest procedures and the best technology to ensure that our patients get the best treatment. We also understand that your experience doesn’t begin and end with your treatment; we want our patients to feel relaxed and have the best experience.
Situated in the village of Hillsborough, our clinic boasts four fully equipped outpatient rooms. All our staff members are dedicated to providing a great welcome and a professional service, and we look forward to helping you in every way that we can
