Cataracts: A natural part of aging

Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss as we get older. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. This natural lens works just like the lens of a camera – it focusses images on the retina, which is similar to the film in a camera.
The human lens can become so cloudy that it prevents light and images from reaching the retina.

A cataract can be the reason that letters become blurred, colours become dull, or seeing at night becomes difficult.

What causes a Cataract?

Aging, eye injury, certain diseases or even some medications.

How are Cataracts treated?

The cloudy lens in you eye is replaced with a new one. This is performed in theatre. A small incision is created to remove the old natural lens and a new lens is implanted. Patients go home the same day. Once the bandage has been removed, eyedrops need to be instilled until the eye settles down. Thereafter the second eye can be booked for surgery.

Post-surgery the patient may need to use glasses. This depends on the type of lens that was implanted.

What has changed in Cataract Surgery compared to the “old” days?

New intraocular lenses are available to correct vision for near and distance, and the quality of vision can be significantly improved.

How successful is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery has an overall success rate of 98% or greater. Continuous improvements in techniques and instrumentation have made the procedure safer than ever.

The lenmed Group is a world-class chain of Private Hospitals that brings quality healthcare to communities across Southern Africa.

For more information please contact: 

Dr Monawwar Khan, Specialist Ophthalmic Surgeon

MBBCh(WITS),MMeD(Ophth),FC Ophth (SA)

Hospital: Suite 101, Shifa Medical Centre, Lenmed Shifa Private Hospital

Telephone: +27 31 207 6879 / 031 207 8755

Cellphone: +27 81 441 9560 / 081 542 8119

Email: [email protected]