Question 1

Can you drive with a cataract?

Accepted Answer

You can drive when you have cataracts, provided you still meet the legally required vision standards for driving. There is no need to tell the driving authority about your cataract unless you cannot meet the standards. Your Specsavers optometrist can advise you on this.

Question 2

Do cataracts only occur in one eye?

Accepted Answer

If you have had a cataract removed from one eye, it is likely that you will need the same treatment for the other eye at some point in the future.

Question 3

What does cataract surgery involve?

Accepted Answer

If an operation is suitable, it will be conducted by an ophthalmologist, who will carry out assessments on your eyes and vision.

Most cataract operations are done using a local anaesthetic. You will be awake, but the ophthalmologist will make sure you do not feel the area around your eye. You will hear the ophthalmologist explaining what they are doing, and you may see some vague movements around your eye.

The ophthalmologist will make a tiny cut in your eye to remove the cataract, and will normally insert a plastic replacement lens so that you can see clearly. This will usually take around 15‑45 minutes.

You will not normally need stitches, but your eye will be covered to protect it from knocks after the operation. You will be allowed to go home the same day, but should have someone to go with you and to look after you for 24 hours after surgery. Do not drive.

Question 4

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

Cataract surgery is a hugely successful procedure and the overwhelming majority of patients are happy with the results.

However, as with all surgery, there are risks involved and you should not have the operation unless you feel it is right for you.

Before you have surgery the risks will be discussed with you, and how they apply to your individual case. The time to have surgery may vary from person to person.

Question 5

Can I choose not to have a cataract operation?

Accepted Answer

If it is not interfering with your daily life it is safe to leave a cataract in your eye. It does not become more difficult to remove if you wait before having surgery, although you will not be able to see as well as the cataract worsens.

The cataract does not have to become ‘ripe’ for you to have the operation. Surgery can be done as soon as the cataract is interfering with your daily life.

To try to prevent cataracts, or to stop them getting worse, wear good quality sunglasses with UV protection and don’t smoke.

Question 6

What happens after a cataract operation?

Accepted Answer

You will be given eye drops to use for the first few weeks after your operation. There may be additional checks within that time depending on your case.

You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise immediately after the operation, but you can carry on with most other activities around the home as normal.

Nearly all of your vision will return within two days of surgery and many people are able to return to their usual daily routine 24 hours after the operation.

You should avoid eye make‑up, swimming, and getting soapy water in your eyes when you wash your hair for two weeks after the operation. If you go out on a windy day, you may feel safer with sunglasses to prevent grit getting in your eye.

Ask your ophthalmologist about when you can go back to work.

Question 7

Will I need new glasses after my cataract operation?

Accepted Answer

Your eyesight will settle down in a few days or weeks. After cataract surgery most people need to wear glasses for either distance, near vision or both.

If you wore glasses before the operation you will probably find that they will need changing after the operation, so you will need to see your Specsavers optometrist again for an eye examination about a month after the surgery. Your ophthalmologist or Specsavers optometrist will be able to advise you as to when you can start driving again.

You may find that it takes a few weeks to adapt to your vision with new glasses after cataract surgery. This is normal, and is due to your brain adapting to a different prescription.

Question 8

Will the cataract come back?

Accepted Answer

After some months or years, some people notice that their vision becomes cloudy or misty again in the eye where the cataract has been removed. This is not the cataract returning, but is due to the capsule which contains the replacement lens clouding up. This cloudiness can be removed by painless laser treatment in a matter of minutes. Contact your optometrist for advice if you are worried that this is happening to you.

Question 9

What is causing my sore and itchy eyelids?

Accepted Answer

Blepharitis is a common cause of sore and itchy eyelids. The condition is responsible for approximately one in 20 eye problems reported to optometrists. The eyelids tend to be sore at the rim, and you may also experience crusty eyelashes or a stinging sensation in the eye itself.

Blepharitis can be caused by an infection or blocked oil‑producing glands. Skin conditions and allergies are also contributing factors. Treatment for blepharitis involves regular eye hygiene. Applying a warm compress to the area and massaging the eyelids can help when a blocked gland is the main problem. However, blepharitis is a chronic condition, meaning that once it develops, you will likely experience repeated recurrences.

In some cases, an optometrist may prescribe you antibiotics to control flare‑ups. Contact lenses often aggravate the condition, so you will need to stop wearing them during an episode. In fact, you may want to consider other options for your vision problems if you suffer from blepharitis.

Frequent eye makeup use is also thought to make the condition worse.

Question 10

I wear contact lenses with blepharitis, does this matter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Contact lens wearers may find their lenses feel uncomfortable when blepharitis flares up. Also, contact lenses should not be worn if you have been prescribed topical ointments or creams. If wearing contact lenses is essential for any reason, such as your job, inform your optometrist or eye specialist. They may recommend another treatment or offer guidance on additional medications that can ease your discomfort. Limiting the amount of eye makeup you use when suffering from blepharitis is also essential, as it will make effective eyelid hygiene more difficult.

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