IN THIS VIDEO PROF MOHAMMED MUHTASEB EXPLAINS IF YOUR CATARACT AND SHORT/LONG-SIGHTEDNESS OR ASTIGMATISM CAN BE CORRECTED AT THE SAME TIME

Do I need different surgeries to get my cataract and short-sightedness/long-sightedness and astigmatism corrected?

Patients often ask whether their near-sightedness or short-sightedness and their astigmatism can be corrected in one procedure, or whether a series of procedures is required. The answer is a very good one.

You only need to have one procedure to correct myopia (near-sightedness), or hyperopia (long-sightedness), as well as astigmatism.

It all comes down to the lens implant and the preoperative tests that collect the data to inform that decision. When I meet with the patient and their partners and family members that are with them, we will discuss the clinical findings and the requirements of the patient for the outcomes they want to achieve after the surgery.

I’ll perform a routine set of tests to collect data that we need for calculating the lens implants that we’re going to use. If any further non-routine additional tests are required, then I’ll arrange for those to be undertaken as well, using state-of-the-art equipment…

Situations, where that may arise, include keratoconus, for example. If a cornea is particularly distorted or sometimes if a patient has had laser refractive surgery in the past, LASIK, for example, additional tests will help to optimize the outcome.

Once all those tests have been done, the strength of lens that’s required to be implanted in the eye and calculating any correction for astigmatism should take care of near-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism, all in one procedure.

A small proportion of patients, if they don’t achieve the perfect outcome that was planned proactively, may require a laser refractive procedure to correct and enhance their outcome–but that’s very unusual.

I invite you to book a consultation to determine your suitability for refractive cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. It’s the only way to determine your suitability for these procedures and to have an in-depth discussion regarding the risks and benefits of each of them. I look forward to seeing you there and taking you through the journey to achieving your desired postoperative outcome.