Complex Cataract Surgery
Specialist surgical management for challenging cataracts including dense or mature cataracts, previous eye surgery, small pupils, and weak zonules.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye, causing blurred vision, glare, and difficulty with everyday activities like driving and reading.
Understanding Cataracts
Cataracts are the leading cause of treatable vision loss worldwide. The condition occurs when the natural crystalline lens inside your eye gradually becomes cloudy, typically as part of the ageing process.
The lens sits just behind the coloured part of your eye (iris) and the pupil. When young, the lens is crystal clear, allowing light to pass through and focus on the retina at the back of your eye. Over time, proteins in the lens can clump together, forming cloudy areas that scatter light and reduce visual clarity.
Cataracts usually develop slowly over years, and many people don't notice early changes. As the cataract progresses, symptoms become more noticeable and can significantly impact quality of life. The good news is that cataract surgery is highly effective, safe, and can restore clear vision—often better than you've had in years.
At Menassa Vision, we don't just treat cataracts; we view your surgery as an opportunity for visual optimisation. With premium lens options, many patients achieve freedom from glasses they've worn for decades.
Signs You May Notice
If you're experiencing any of these signs, a consultation can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
- Cloudy, blurred, or dim vision
Like looking through a dirty or frosted window
- Increasing difficulty with night vision
Particularly noticeable when driving
- Sensitivity to light and glare
Oncoming headlights may seem too bright or create halos
- Seeing halos around lights
Especially noticeable at night
- Fading or yellowing of colours
Colours appear less vivid than they used to
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
Your optician may notice this during routine eye tests
- Double vision in a single eye
This clears when the other eye is closed
Causes
- Age-related protein changes in the lens
- Long-term ultraviolet light exposure
- Previous eye injury or surgery
- Certain medications, particularly long-term steroids
- Diabetes and other systemic conditions
- Genetic factors and family history
Risk Factors
- Age over 60 (though cataracts can occur earlier)
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Prolonged sun exposure without eye protection
- Previous eye injury, inflammation, or surgery
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
When to Seek Help
Consider booking a consultation if you notice any of the following:
- Your vision is affecting daily activities like driving, reading, or recognising faces
- You're struggling with night driving due to glare from headlights
- Your optician has told you that you have cataracts
- Frequent glasses prescription changes no longer help
- You're finding it difficult to do the things you enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no set threshold—the decision is based on how much your cataracts affect your quality of life. If your vision difficulties are impacting daily activities, work, or hobbies, it may be time to consider surgery. Ms. Menassa will help you make this decision.
No. Once the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, that cataract cannot return. However, the capsule holding the new lens can sometimes become cloudy months or years later—this is easily treated with a quick laser procedure.
Cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthesia using eye drops—there are no injections around the eye. Most patients feel only gentle pressure and see colourful lights during the procedure. Any post-operative discomfort is typically mild.
How We Can Help
Ms. Menassa offers the following treatments for Cataracts:
Concerned About Your Eyes?
Ms. Menassa provides thorough, unhurried consultations to assess your condition and discuss the best treatment options for your situation.
Specialist Expertise
As a fellowship-trained Cornea and Anterior Segment specialist, Ms. Menassa has particular expertise in conditions affecting the front of the eye. Her training in Heidelberg and Lucerne ensures you receive care informed by the latest international advances.
Available Treatments
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Premium Cataract Surgery
Advanced cataract surgery with premium intraocular lens options including Toric and Multifocal IOLs, designed to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses.
Take the First Step
Understanding your condition is the first step toward clear vision. Ms. Menassa is here to provide expert guidance, honest advice, and compassionate care.