DR Enslin Uys performs cataract surgery at the Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital.
Small incision phaco surgery (also called refractive eye surgery) is a procedure that is performed in order to remove cataracts. During a cataract operation, the cloudy lens is removed, or broken up into small pieces with an ultrasound instrument and gently removed out of the eye. The lens is then replaced with an artificial lens in order to focus the light on the retina and restore vision. The artificial lens, or clear intraocular lens, is placed very securely behind the iris and pupil, in the same position as the natural lens.
Without a new artificial intraocular lens, your vision remains poor and cannot be restored to its original form. Because phaco surgery can be performed with the use of tiny incisions, the healing time is much faster, and the risk of complications is reduced. Dr Enslin Uys has performed thousands of these operations, and his complication rate is in line with the best surgeons in the world.
Astigmatism is a condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea is shaped abnormally (corneal astigmatism) or if the curve of the lens is irregular (lenticular astigmatism). The eye is shaped more like a rugby ball instead of a soccer ball. An irregular shape means that light cannot be adequately focused on the retina, resulting in blurred vision, sometimes headaches and some discomfort in the eye (called asthenopia). In many cases, the condition can be treated with prescription glasses or contact lenses for astigmatism.
Orthokeratology is an astigmatism treatment, in which specially designed gas permeable lenses are placed in the eyes at night, in order to gently reshape the surface of the eye, so that the curvature of the cornea can gradually change shape. The effects of this treatment are temporary and should allow you to maintain good vision for about a day or so.Surgical correction can be done with laser surgery to the cornea.
Lasik (or laser eye surgery) is a type of refractive eye surgery to correct astigmatism using a laser to reshape the cornea. This surgery provides long-lasting treatment to astigmatism of the eye. When you have cataract formation, the astigmatism can be corrected with a special intra ocular lens, called a toric intraocular lens. This lens has to be placed at a very specific angle, which is measured prior to surgery, to reduce the astigmatism. Dr Enslin Uys has had excellent results with using the toric intraocular lens.
Cataract Surgery FAQ
- What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery restores clear vision by removing the eye’s cloudy natural lens and
replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens. Dr. Enslin Uys performs this highly
successful procedure to permanently treat age-related vision loss and cloudiness. - What is small incision phaco cataract surgery?
Small incision phaco surgery is a modern technique that uses ultrasound technology
to gently break up and remove a cloudy lens through a microscopic opening.
Performed by Dr. Enslin Uys, this advanced method allows for faster healing and
reduced post-operative discomfort compared to older surgical techniques. - Where is cataract surgery performed in Pietermaritzburg?
Dr. Enslin Uys performs all cataract procedures at the Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital.
This world-class facility is equipped with the specialised diagnostic and surgical
technology required for precision small-incision phaco surgery. - Why do I need an intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract removal?
An artificial intraocular lens is essential because it takes over the light-focusing role
of your natural lens. Without a replacement IOL, your vision would remain blurred
and unable to focus properly after surgery. - Where is the artificial lens placed in the eye?
The intraocular lens is positioned behind the iris and pupil, in the exact location
previously occupied by your natural lens. This ensures the new lens works naturally
with your eye’s anatomy to provide clear, stable vision. - Is phaco surgery safer or faster to heal than older techniques?
Yes, small incision phaco surgery heals significantly faster because it does not
require traditional stitches. Dr. Enslin Uys uses tiny incisions to reduce the risk of
complications, allowing most patients to return to their daily routines much sooner. - Can cataract surgery improve my vision?
Yes, cataract surgery is designed to restore clarity and vibrancy to your sight by
replacing a clouded lens with a clear, medical-grade implant. Many patients in
Pietermaritzburg report seeing colours more vividly and experiencing noticeably less
glare almost immediately after surgery - How much does cataract surgery cost in Pietermaritzburg?
The cost of cataract surgery depends on several factors, including the type of
intraocular lens selected and whether additional corrections such as astigmatism
treatment are required. Most South African medical aids provide cover for cataract
surgery when it is clinically motivated. Contact our rooms directly for a detailed
breakdown of pricing and to find out what your medical aid may cover. - Am I a candidate for cataract surgery?
Most adults experiencing cloudy, blurred, or dimmed vision caused by a cataract are
potential candidates for surgery. Dr. Enslin Uys will conduct a comprehensive eye
assessment in Pietermaritzburg to evaluate your lens opacity, overall eye health, and
vision goals before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan for you. - What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural, age-related condition that typically begins after age 40,
causing the eye’s lens to lose flexibility and making it difficult to focus on close-up
objects. It is the primary reason many adults start needing reading glasses for small
print or digital screens. - What are the most common treatments for presbyopia?
Reading glasses, bifocals, and progressive addition lenses are the most common
treatments for presbyopia. Dr. Enslin Uys also offers surgical alternatives in
Pietermaritzburg that can address presbyopia and reduce your long-term reliance on
spectacles. - Is presbyopia surgery a permanent option?
Yes, certain surgical procedures can permanently restore near vision affected by
age-related lens changes. Dr. Enslin Uys will determine during a consultation in
Pietermaritzburg whether you are a suitable candidate for lens-based surgery to
restore your reading vision. - What are multifocal intraocular lenses?
Multifocal intraocular lenses are advanced implants that provide clear vision at both
near and far distances simultaneously. They are an excellent alternative to glasses
for cataract patients in Pietermaritzburg who want a broader range of focus after
surgery. - Will a multifocal lens guarantee I won't need glasses?
Multifocal lenses significantly reduce your need for glasses, but a 100% guarantee is
not possible. Most patients find they can comfortably perform daily tasks without
assistance, though very fine print in dim light may occasionally still require minor
help. - Can a multifocal intraocular lens be implanted in both eyes?
Yes, implanting multifocal lenses in both eyes typically provides the best visua
balance and depth perception. Dr. Enslin Uys will assess your eye health to confirm
whether this premium lens option is the right choice for your specific needs. - What is a monofocal intraocular lens?
A monofocal lens is a high-quality implant set for a single focal distance, typicall
providing excellent clarity for distance tasks like driving or watching television.
Reading glasses will still be required for close-up tasks after implantation. - What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common condition where the eye is shaped more like a rugby ball
than a round ball, causing light to focus unevenly and resulting in blurred or distorted
vision at all distances - Can astigmatism cause headaches or eye discomfort?
Yes, untreated astigmatism frequently causes eye strain and persistent headaches
as your eyes work harder to find a clear focus. Correcting this imbalance can
significantly improve your daily comfort and visual stamina. - What is orthokeratology for astigmatism?
Orthokeratology involves wearing specially designed hard lenses overnight to
temporarily reshape the cornea for clear daytime vision. The results are temporary
and the eyes gradually return to their original shape if the lenses are no longer worn. - Can laser eye surgery correct astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK and other refractive laser surgeries can permanently correct astigmatism
by reshaping the cornea. This allows light to focus accurately on the retina, often
eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses entirely. - Can astigmatism be corrected during cataract surgery?
Yes, Dr. Enslin Uys can correct astigmatism at the same time as your cataract
procedure using a specialised Toric intraocular lens — also known as an
astigmatism-correcting lens implant. This advanced lens is precisely aligned in your
eye to fix the irregular curvature and deliver sharp, clear vision without the need for
additional surgery.