Seeing the world in a new light thanks to modern technology

His optician was concerned about the faster-than-normal reduction in his vision and he referred Robert to a Yorkshire eye consultant.

Robert, from Holmfirth, who is managing director of a large printing company, was referred to eye surgeon Shafiq Rehman, and underwent a series of diagnostic examinations, including MRI scans and other tests.

The tests revealed he was suffering from nuclear sclerotic cataracts, which change the eye’s ability to focus.

In addition to extensive cataract formation in both eyes, he was also told that in his left eye, he had a lump in the macula, the part of the eye at the centre of the retina that allows you to see fine detail.

Cataracts are more often associated with older people, with one in three over-65-year-olds suffering from them. Smoking and exposure to UV radiation can contribute to their onset.

Following Robert’s diagnosis, Mr Rehman, consultant ophthalmologist at Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust and Yorkshire Eye Hospital, recommended removing the lenses affected by the cataracts and replacing them with sophisticated implants.

These powerful lenses were designed to enable Robert, who had worn spectacles for more than 20 years, to finally be glasses-free.

“Having worn glasses for so long, the prospect of not needing specs for everything was very exciting.

“I am an active, outdoor person and have always found them a complete inconvenience, but over the years had learned to put up with them without even knowing that there was an alternative.

“In a way, having the cataracts so early, while very unusual and worrying, has meant that at least I have become glasses-free as an unexpected result.

“I am delighted with the outcome and am now literally seeing the world in a different light, and in a much brighter light, thanks to the removal of the cataracts.

“I was impressed by the thoroughness and the care I was given. Everything went smoothly and everything was fully explained to me, which was fantastic.”

Mr Rehman said: “In his early forties, Robert is very young to develop cataracts, but this can, and does, happen from time to time. The best action is prompt removal of the clouded lens.

“Until recently, this type of surgery involved inserting a ‘standard’ lens implant to restore general focus and improve the overall quality of vision, which works reasonably well, but we can now offer treatments with lenses which can either reduce dependence on spectacles or allow them to dispose of glasses completely following treatment.

“Customised techniques using a highly-targeted approach can effectively minimise the need for distance and reading spectacles in the vast majority of patients. In fact, more than 95 per cent of patients can meet the legal standard for driving in the UK without the need for glasses.”

Mr Rehman performed Robert’s treatment using simple eye-drop anaesthesia so there was no need for needles, and the procedure typically lasts less than 20 minutes.

Vision stabilisation occurs very quickly, with most patients enjoying good-quality vision within a couple of days.

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