A cataract is a clouding or opacity of the naturally, clear, crystalline lens of the eye which most commonly occurs as a consequence of the aging process and also exposure to ultra-violet light. Cataracts can also occur in younger patients. Cataracts can also be a consequence of other diseases, particularly diabetes and some medications, especially steroids. By the age of 70 most patients have some degree of cataract formation which may or may not be symptomatic and require treatment. Cataracts are the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide.

Cataracts are removed by a highly sophisticated micro-surgical operation called phacoemulsification in which the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). These come in the form of standard or mono-focal lenses for patients without astigmatism and toric IOL’s for patients with astigmatism (which are the majority of the patients on each operating list). Also available are tri-focal intraocular lenses which are available for selective patients which means that patients do not need glasses for any tasks following successful surgery.

The results of cataract surgery are unbelievably excellent and the procedure is recognised as both the most common and most successful operation performed worldwide.