A cataract is a loss of transparency or clouding of the eye's natural lens which lies behind the iris and the pupil. A cataract causes blurred vision, reduces colour perception and induces discomfort in bright light. It is typically part of the normal age-related process and most people over the age of 60 already carry some signs of this condition.

The only effective treatment for cataract is an operation which can transform the lives of patients by

improving their vision considerably. Modern surgical techniques allow the safe and early removal of the cloudy natural lens and its replacement with a clear plastic lens. This plastic lens is called an intraocular lens implant (IOL) and it remains permanently inside the eye with no risk of rejection. Visual rehabilitation is fast with most patients noticing a rapid improvement in their eyesight.

Up until recently patients undergoing cataract surgery could only receive a monofocal intraocular lens implant generally set up for distance vision. Patients with this type of implant must wear reading glasses for near vision (presbyopia) and may also need glasses for distance vision depending on the amount of residual astigmatism.

Recent advances in surgical techniques and intraocular lens implant technology have given patients the opportunity to get rid of their distance and reading glasses. These new lens implants can provide a very satisfactory and permanent solution to correct both myopia and hypermetropia as well as presbyopia

(multifocal and accommodating IOL) and astigmatism (toric IOL). Multifocal and accommodating lens implant surgery is rapidly growing as it gives patients excellent distance, intermediate and near vision and minimizes the need to wear glasses after surgery.

At the Beirut Eye Clinic we perform advanced cataract surgery to ensure the safe delivery of the best possible results. We use the latest small incision needle-free and stitch-free techniques in addition to advanced toric and multifocal intraocular lens implants. This surgery is a day case procedure with the patient spending just a couple of hours in hospital and benefiting from improved eyesight from the following day.