A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye that helps to focus light on the retina, the sensitive layer at the back of the eye.The commonest cause for this is age but trauma, diseases and certain drugs can cause cataracts.
Not all cataracts need intervention. Intervention is needed only if it affects vision or cause visual symptoms. Surgery is the only option to get rid of a cataract.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the world and it is generally very safe, however no operation is 100% and Mr Perera would discuss with you the risks and benefits of surgery.
Mr. Perera generally operates using strong anaesthetic drops with no injections. The operation will take about 15-20 minutes and should in most cases be pain free.
When the cataract is taken out a new lens is implanted to help focus light in the retina. This is called a intra-ocular lens implant. There are many types of lenses: monofocal lenses, bifocal lenses and trifocal lenses.
Mr. Perera will discuss with you the advantages and limitations of the different types of lenses and help you to decide on the lens that suits your requirements the best.