Cataract Removal Surgery

In order to be able to focus properly, there’s a clear lens over the coloured part of your eye (the iris). Sometimes, usually as you get older, cloudy patches build up within this lens. This is due to a protein build-up that occurs with age. This tends to happen gradually over a period of many years and is relatively harmless to begin with.

If left unattended, however, a cataract can turn into a debilitating condition as it can stop you from detecting movement and seeing everyday objects.

Cataract removal surgery involves taking out the ‘damaged’ lens and replacing it with an artificial one. This may sound painful, but the procedure is actually quick, painless, and safe. Cataract surgery is one of the few operations that can ‘turn back the clock’ as it can restore your eyesight to the level it had been previously.

Benefits of cataract removal surgery

Because untreated cataracts can result in a significant or complete loss of clear vision, it can really impact your life and sometimes mean that you can no longer enjoy the things that you used to. After you have cataract removal surgery you should be able to:

• See things more clearly again – to visually focus better
• Tell the difference between colours
• Look into brighter light with less glare

Before your cataract removal surgery

Before your cataract removal surgery, you will meet with your Consultant for an assessment. During this appointment, a series of measurements will be taken of your eyes and assessments made of your eyesight. The Consultant will ask what type of lens you would prefer, either mono-focal for long or short sight, or multifocal.

You will have the opportunity to discuss anything regarding your operation and recovery, including:

• The benefits and risks associated with the surgery
• If you'll need glasses after surgery
• How long you'll take to fully recover

The surgical procedure for cataract removal

The cataract removal operation is a straightforward procedure that usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and is carried out under a local anaesthetic. During the procedure, a very small incision is made to the side of your cornea by the surgeon in order to enable them to remove the cloudy lens. They’ll then replace it with a clear plastic one.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, you'll need two separate surgical procedures. Sometimes, these procedures can be done at the same time, but your Consultant can advise whether it’ll be safer to leave a recovery interval before operating on the second cataract.

Cataract removal recovery time

Recovery time varies on a patient-by-patient basis but is usually between 2-6 weeks. If you have other health issues such as an eye condition like glaucoma or if you have a broader health condition like advanced diabetes, it can take longer to fully recover.

Cataract removal FAQs

Are there any risks with cataract removal?

While it seems like a very invasive procedure, cataract removal surgery is now an extremely mature surgical procedure. The surgeons’ experience and modern medical science make the risk of serious complications developing as a result of cataract surgery very low.

Most common complications (such as minor infections) can be treated with medicines or further surgery.

There is, however, a very small risk – around 1 in 1,000 – of permanent sight loss in the treated eye as a direct result of the operation.

What is cataract surgery recovery like?

Cataract surgery recovery doesn’t need anything elaborate. The most important things you can do to ensure a trouble-free recovery after cataract surgery are to take any medication prescribed by your surgeon and wear your eye shield – especially at night – for at least a week.

Be sure to also avoid any strenuous activity, use the opportunity to rest.