"I'm scared"
IN THE VIDEO, PROF MOHAMMED MUHTASEB DISCUSSES HOW HIS PATIENTS OVERCOME ANXIETY ABOUT EYE SURGERY
While the thought of treating cataract surgically might raise some concerns, modern cataract surgery is a safe and highly successful procedure that can dramatically improve your vision. But what about patients who have a level of anxiety that even puts them off attending an initial consultation? The good news is twofold: a consultation with Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb is the best way to address those fears and it in no way commits a patient to take the next step towards having a surgical intervention.
The consultation is designed for the patient to:
- Discuss their symptoms
- Elaborate on their requirements postoperatively
- Gain a sturdy understanding of their treatment options
- Understand how Prof. Muhtaseb performs the surgery
- What to expect on the day of surgery in terms of the nursing care, how the anaesthetic is administered, what you’ll experience during the surgery
- Understand the aftercare and postoperative care
Once Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb has helped to ease your anxieties, you can can proceed to the surgical intervention if you choose to go ahead. We are well experienced in dealing with patients who’ve got varying levels of comfort or anxiety regarding these procedures, and we’ll always do whatever we can to make you comfortable.
We are well experienced in dealing with patients who’ve got varying levels of comfort or anxiety regarding these procedures, and we’ll always do whatever we can to make you comfortable.
Fears vs Reality: Cataract Operation
Fear #1: Cataract surgery is painful
Reality: Cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, meaning the area around your eye is numbed. The anaesthetic for the surgery is eye drops, so there’s no need to worry about injections. You’ll be awake and aware during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain. Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb and the nursing team will prioritise your comfort throughout the process. Finding an empathetic and skilled surgeon, who will explain the process and answer all questions is the first step to overcome fear of eye procedures.
Watch a video of our patient below – it’s completely natural for patients to be anxious when it comes to eye surgery:
Fear #2: It’s a long and complicated procedure
Reality: Modern cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, typically taking around 15-30 minutes per eye. Prof. Mohammed Muhtaseb uses a tiny incision and advanced tools to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens (IOL).
Fear #3: What do I see during cataract surgery?
Reality: While you won’t see intricate details, you’ll likely perceive light and movement during the procedure. Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb will explain what you might see and feel beforehand.
Fear #4: I won’t see clearly after surgery
Reality: The vast majority of patients experience significant improvement in vision after cataract surgery. The implanted IOL aims to restore clear vision, potentially reducing your dependence on glasses or contacts.
Fear #5: Something will go wrong during surgery
Reality: Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries globally, with a very high success rate exceeding 95%. With nearly 30 years’ experience, Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb has performed more than 6,300 cataract operations. The key benefit of choosing the private surgery route is that patients are able to pick an experienced surgeon.
Fear #6: Recovery takes a long time
Reality: Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. While some recovery time is expected, it’s usually short. You might experience blurred vision initially as your eye heals, but this typically resolves within a few days. The micro-incision surgery performed by Prof. Muhtaseb means the recovery time is even shorter as the procedure is minimally invasive.
Fear #7: It won’t completely fix my vision
Reality: Quite the opposite – cataract surgery can significantly improve your vision, often to a point where you no longer need glasses for distance vision. However, pre-existing conditions like age-related nearsightedness (presbyopia) might still require reading glasses. Discuss your specific situation and vision goals with your doctor to understand potential outcomes.
Fear #8: The results won’t last
Reality: Modern artificial lenses implanted during cataract surgery are designed to last a lifetime. Once the cataract is removed and the lens replaced, it shouldn’t need further intervention in most cases.
Fear #9: Cataract surgery is too expensive
Reality: The cost of cataract surgery will depend on your specific situation and your vision goals. iLase offers clear and transparent pricing, with convenient payment options to suit your timescale and budget. Our costs are inclusive of hospital, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, lens implants and post-operative care.
Fear #10: I’m too old for cataract surgery
Reality: Age shouldn’t be a barrier to receiving cataract surgery. In fact, the sooner cataracts are addressed, the sooner you can enjoy improved vision. Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb will assess your overall health and determine if you’re a good candidate for surgery.
The surgery was very quick and pain-free. I had a little bit of discomfort during the day of the surgery but that disappeared very quickly and I was able to really have a a normal life from then on.
I don’t wear glasses at all now. I don’t need them. I was impressed by his professionalism, his calmness. He explained everything clearly and in layman’s language… I would say to anyone considering treatment: just do it. Don’t be afraid of it. It’s painless and it works.
I would definitely recommend the professor. I think his approach is perfect! If you have any anxieties at all – just check with someone who’s had the procedure done. I had no pain at all. I expected a little bit of discomfort – but no pain, that was good. It’s life-enhancing and that’s not something you can put clearly enough.
I was given a choice of lenses and detailed information before making my decision. I am now able to drive and read without glasses. It was entirely painless and the care I received before and after the procedures was excellent.
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