If vision becomes reduced to the point that you are unable to carry out usual daily activities, you can have an operation to remove the cataract.
How can I be referred for cataract surgery?
Your GP can book you in for cataract surgery.
What will happen at my appointment?
You will attend a ‘one-stop’ clinic where an ophthalmologist and a specially trained nurse will fully assess you for a cataract operation.
We hold similar clinics and post-operation appointments at local hospitals for patients outside Newcastle.
You will be given a choice of surgery dates and this will be booked at your clinic appointment.
Cataract surgery
During your operation, your cloudy lens will be replaced by an artificial lens called an intra-ocular lens implant. This will stay inside the eye permanently and cannot be felt once it is in place.
We will take measurements of your eye in preparation for the operation. We will also show you how to use the eye drops you will need. If you have a relative or carer with you, they can also be shown how to do this.
Most patients choose to have cataract surgery under local anaesthetic. You may spend up to half a day in hospital.
If you choose to have surgery under general anaesthetic, you may spend a full day in hospital and go home that evening.
We usually give patients who live outside of the area a later appointment time for surgery, allowing time to travel to hospital.
