The most obvious benefit of cataract surgery is restoration of vision and improvement in your quality of life. Cataract surgery will allow you to enjoy again the things you used to do such as reading and driving, as well as any hobbies affected by poor vision. Cataract surgery is also an ideal opportunity to correct any significant refractive error such
The most common cause of cataract is increasing age. The majority of people will develop a cataract at some point during their lifetime. Age-related cataracts normally develop in both eyes. Cataracts can also develop secondary to conditions such as diabetes, or as a side-effect of taking medications such as corticosteroids. They can also occur secondary to injury
Further surgery with additional specialised measures can be performed in the unlikely event that your FTMH does not close and is often successful in closing the hole.
This will depend on multiple factors including your occupation, the level of vision in your other eye, and whether you must drive for a living. I will tailor this advice to your circumstances, but it is generally prudent to allow 2 weeks off from work. In most instances, it will be possible to then return to work or continue to work from home.
There is up to 5-15% risk of developing a FTMH in your other eye. I will individualise this risk to you during your consultation with me by reviewing your OCT scans in detail.
You may have read about the requirement for uncomfortable face-down posturing after surgery for FTMH. The latest evidence suggests that this provides no additional benefit for most FTMHs, but it may be of benefit in some large FTMHs, and may possibly result in better vision outcomes. I will tailor this advice to your eye and circumstances. If required to do so, then face down positioning by day
Injection of a bubble of gas is important in the healing process after surgery to repair the FTMH. The type of gas used will depend on several factors including the size and duration of your FTMH, and how much vision you have in your other eye. I will discuss my recommendations with you in detail during your initial consultation with me. Gases
You will be able to go home 1-2 hours after a local anaesthetic, and slightly longer after a general anaesthetic. The eye pad is removed the next day and you can start instilling your eye drops. There may be a small amount of discharge at this stage. Initially, your vision is likely to be worse
After the anaesthetic is administered, your eye and face will be covered with a sterile drape. The whole vitrectomy operation will then be performed through 3 tiny incisions. You will hear vibrating noises throughout much of the procedure from the vitrectomy machine. You will not be able to see details of what is happening but
After vitrectomy for diabetic retinal detachment, posturing may not be necessary or you may be advised to posture for a few hours looking down towards the floor (prone positioning). After that, the instructions for posturing will depend on the location and number of any retinal breaks found during your operation. Posturing, if required, will typically be for 7 days. Instructions will be given in
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