Cataract Surgery

What is a cataract?

A cataract is when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. This can happen as we get older or as a result of an injury. Symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Blurred vision

  • Glare around lights (particularly obvious when driving)

  • Change in glasses prescription

What are the treatment options?

Cataracts do not generally damage your eye, so there is no reason to intervene if you are happy with your current level of vision. Often updating your glasses can be a valuable step at this stage.

We generally recommend surgery when your visual symptoms are stopping you from doing what you enjoy or need to do (for example reading, hobbies or driving).

If you do decide you want an operation their are a number of options available for the new lens that we insert: this includes lenses that allow you to see in the distance and up close (multifocal intraocular lens) and these can be discussed at your consultation to help you make the best choice for you.

What does surgery involve?

During your pre-operative consultation you will have a full examination of your eyes and measurements of your eyes will be taken. We will use dilating drops which will blur your vision for 3 hours or so, and we may take additional scans on the day specific to you.

The operation is a day procedure, and you normally are in hospital for no more than 2-3 hours in total. The vast majority of cataract surgeries are carried out with the patient awake under local anaesthetic, which ensures the operation isn’t painful. If you feel you wouldn’t be able to tolerate that, there is an option of having a general anaesthetic.

The operation itself is similar to keyhole surgery where we remove your old lens and inject your new lens into the eye.

Are there any risks to the surgery?

Cataract surgery has a very high success rate but any operation inside the eye has a degree of risk. These include:

  • Visual loss due to an infection or severe bleed (1 in 1000 cases)

  • Risk of needing a further operation soon after (1 in 100 cases)

  • Transient complications such as elevated pressure or inflammation inside the eye which is normally treated with extra drops

  • Thickening of the lens bag (Posterior Capsular Opacification) can happen many months or years after the surgery and is easily treated with YAG laser

Any complications specific to you will be discussed at your consultation.

What to expect after surgery?

It is common to have some discomfort after the operation and it is fine to take over-the-counter pain relief. The vision normally clears over the first week, and we prescribe drops into the eye 4 times per day for the first month.

It is important that you avoid swimming or getting any tap water into the eye for the first 2 weeks. You will likely need to avoid driving for the first 1-2 weeks normally whilst the eye settles down and to avoid strenuous exercise for the first month.

It is fine to use screens, watch TV straight after the operation. We will discuss with you when it is appropriate for you to return to work.