Focus on cataracts
A CATARACT refers to a condition of the eye when the clear lens of the eye loses its transparency and becomes opaque or cloudy. It reduces or blocks the entry of light into back of the eye causing blurring and loss of vision.
It is usually caused by ageing and is most commonly affects individuals over 50 years of age.
Less commonly, cataracts can be caused by other eye conditions which can occur in any age group.
Cataract is still the leading cause of blindness and visual loss worldwide but fortunately, in almost every case, vision can be improved and restored to a good level using modern cataract surgery techniques.
Patients who are suffering visual problems and are suspected of having cataracts by their optician or GP are usually referred to the hospital eye service for further examination.
The ophthalmologist performs a full eye examination for diagnosis of cataract and for making the clinical decision whether cataract surgery should be performed.
Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals provide a dedicated hospital eye service at Cardiff Bay for the diagnosis, treatment and surgery for cataract and other eye conditions including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, squints, corneal diseases and refractive conditions requiring laser correction surgery.
Mr Kadaba Rajkumar, whose NHS practice is at the University Hospital of Wales and the Princess of Wales Hospital, has extensive experience in a wide range of eye conditions.
He specialises in cataract, glaucoma and clear lens exchange surgery (for people who would like to avoid wearing any glasses after the age of 50) and has more than 25 years of experience in the teaching of cataract surgery as well as performing surgery especially in difficult cases.
He is an expert in monofocal, multifocal and toric lens implantation after cataract surgery.
At the Nuffield Hospital, he has a skilled team of nursing staff and operating theatre technicians.
To ensure a high-quality service and a completely painless experience with fast recovery to full visual potential after surgery, he uses a highly-effective local anaesthetic technique combined with the most modern ‘keyhole’ phacoemulsification cataract extraction using an ultrasound device and an operating microscope.
Patients or members of the public are very welcome to attend a free, and informal, eye educational event on Thursday, October 6 at which Mr Rajkumar will be doing a presentation on cataract surgery and more generally on the hospital eye service at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals.
There will also be an opportunity for patients or members of the public to ask specific questions about the field of ophthalmology.
To book your free place at the open eye event on October 6, hosted by Mr Rajkumar at Nuffield Health Vale Hospital, please ring 0333 305 4699.