Cataract

cataract

A cataract  is a cloudy area  in the lens of your eye.

The lens is transparent (clear) but if it becomes clouded the passage of light is obstructed and this impairs vision.

BMEC Cataract Pathway

BMEC deals with well over 3200 cataract patients every year. In addition cataract operations are also carried out at Sandwell Hospital.

The optician will see the cataract when they examine you. You will then be referred to the cataract clinic at BMEC or one of our peripheral units.

An appointment will be sent to you to attend the outpatient clinic, where you will be assessed by the ophthalmologist, and then a nurse will carry out a Pre-operative Assessment. Most cataract operations are carried out under local anaesthesia by numbing your eye with eye drops and / or an injection around it. Rarely, you may be put to sleep for the operation. Your doctor will discuss this with you in details in the clinic.

A date for the operation will be sent to you.

You will attend Day Surgery Unit for you operation. The nurse will prepare you for surgery. This will require having eye drops instilled in to your eye to enlarge the pupil. The operation normally takes 30-45 minutes. Post operative instruction and eye drops will be given by the discharging nurse.

You will be given an outpatient appointment for 2-4 weeks after the operation to be followed up. Once the eye drops have been stopped, you can make an appointment with the optician for a change of glasses, usually 4-6 weeks after surgery.

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