The cataract service offers treatment for people with cataract, which is the clouding of the lens of the eye.
A cataract is when the lens in your eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy with age affecting your eyesight.
If your vision becomes reduced to the extent that you are unable to carry out your usual daily activities, you will need to have an operation to remove the cataract.
How can I be referred for cataract surgery?
Your GP can book you in to a clinic in the region.
What will happen at my appointment?
You will attend a ‘one-stop’ clinic at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in the eye department.
An ophthalmologist and a specially trained nurse will fully assess you for your cataract operation.
We hold similar clinics and post-operation appointments at local hospitals for patients outside the area.
You will be given a choice of surgery dates. This will be booked at the 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. However this cannot be felt once it is in place.
We will take measurements of your eye in preparation for your operation. In addition to this, we will show you how to put your own drops in. However, your relative or carer can be shown how to do this.
Most patients choose to have their cataract surgery under local anaesthetic. You will spend up to half a day in the hospital based on Ward 21.
If you choose to have your surgery under general anaesthetic, you may spend the rest of the day in hospital. You will go home that evening.
We usually give patients who live outside of the area a later appointment time for surgery so they can travel to hospital.
