According to the World Health Organisation, just over a quarter of the global population (2.2 billion people) have vision impairment caused by refractive errors and cataracts.
But although cataracts and vision impairment are up there as one of the biggest single medical problem areas in the world, there are many other areas of ophthalmology that are just as vital for our health.
It's technology like this along with the rigorous training that all ophthalmologists must undertake that puts private hospitals like Werndale at the top of the referral list when it comes to healthcare.
If you live in the southwest region of Wales and have medical insurance, there's a good chance you will be referred to Werndale through your GP or optometrist, or via your insurance company if you've contacted them.
But you can also contact Werndale direct if you want to discuss your options, get a second opinion, or you're worried about your eyesight and want to have it checked as quickly as possible. Please call reception on 01267 225600.
Our eye lenses contain crystallin proteins. These proteins are generally thought to help refract light to the retina at the back of the eye. However, as we age, the structure of these proteins can change, and over time, can block light thus reducing our vision.
It's the change in the structure or chemical makeup of the proteins that causes the tell-tale signs of someone with a cataract - an opaque or cloudy looking eye.
The surgery involves making a number of tiny incisions in the cornea, then using a process called phacoemulsification, the damaged lens is emulsified using ultrasound, and removed (aspirated) from the eye. The new lens is then implanted to restore vision. No stitches are required, and the eye will heal naturally over the following few weeks.
We recommend all strenuous activity (including swimming) is avoided for a few weeks after the operation, although very light exercise is fine after a few days.
Luckily, technology has advanced a great deal, and the choice of lenses covers almost every situation you can think of, including lenses that completely replace the need to wear glasses (the general condition of your eyes and other medical circumstances will be taken into account, and may have a bearing on this).
The lens you choose depends on your current eyesight of course, so if you're short sighted (you suffer from myopia) then the lens chosen can correct this. Once replaced, barring other medical conditions, you will never have to have the lens replaced again.
The same is true if you have hyperopia (you are long or farsighted) or if your eyesight is slowly deteriorating through age, even without cataracts. This happens to most of us, particularly once we get past 40, and it's when many of us start using reading glasses.
This is called presbyopia and can also be corrected at the time of cataract surgery by lens replacement. Unfortunately it's not available through the NHS. However, it is available through private hospitals who have an eye clinic including Werndale.
Most patients have a monofocal intraocular lens set for one distance so they can see the environment around them clearly. However, this doesn't replace the need for reading glasses.
The other type, multifocal intraocular lenses are designed to replace bi-focal glasses, although they can compromise the clarity possible from monofocal lenses and reading glasses.
Laser treatment is also sometimes required to correct residual problems with clear lens exchange surgery, in fact, clear lens exchange surgery can only be offered if follow up laser treatment is also available.
However, laser treatment of a different type does have an important part to play in all cataract and lens replacement surgery. In approximately 40% of cataract removal operations, the patient will need laser surgery at some point in the future to correct any problems with the replacement lens.
AMD can also happen over a short period of a few weeks or months. This is called wet AMD. The cause is unknown, but according to NHS research it has been linked to high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity.
Glaucoma is usually spotted by an optometrist during an eye test, in which case the patient will be referred to a suitable specialist for further investigation and to confirm if the disease is present. It's important this happens, as if left untreated, glaucoma can lead to loss of vision.
Glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops, although surgery may be required if the condition is advanced.
As most operations are same-day, you won't need to stay overnight, but should you need to, you will be taken good care of in one of our private rooms with full en-suite facilities and 24 hour medical care.
If you'd like to find out more about lens replacement or cataract removal or other conditions that are affecting your sight, please call us on 01267 225600. We'll be pleased to advise you on your next steps.