A cataract causes a lens of the eye to become cloudy which can cause reduced vision and can deteriorate over time. The most common cause is age, but scientists also suspect diabetes, alcohol and smoking may have a role to play in the development of cataracts. Cataract surgery is a procedure that replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial lens to improve the vision.
What is Cataract Surgery?
From birth, our eyes have a clear lens which is made up of a unique balance of water and protein, working in tandem to allow light to pass through the eye. As we age, the quality of the protein degrades and can gather together in clusters. This makes it harder for the light to pass through the protein, and consequently the lens, reducing vision and making things appear a bit blurrier.
Cataract surgery is a type of eye surgery to remove a cataract (cloudy lens) and replace with an artificial lens to improve vision.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in the UK every year. Many thousands of UK patients undergo cataract operations successfully, improving their quality of life and the clarity of their vision.
Do I need surgery?
Cataracts will never go away on their own; surgery is the only treatment. Cataract surgery is a very common and straightforward day case procedure, that aims to give you improved eyesight.
You may consider cataract surgery if your vision problems are interfering with daily activities and affecting your quality of life, preventing you from doing the things you love, such as hobbies.
Cataract symptoms may not be apparent at first, but they usually worsen gradually over time. You should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist to discuss the best timing for surgery, based on your individual circumstances.
What are the benefits of Cataract Surgery?
Following your cataract operation, you should be able to:
- See things in focus.
- Differentiate colours.
- Look into bright lights without too much glare.
One of the greatest benefits of cataract surgery is an increased quality of life. With better vision you can enjoy many lifestyle benefits, such as reading, working, driving, socialising and, playing sport, as well as greater independence, safety and a reduced likelihood of falling. This, in turn can also improve your self-confidence and mental health.
Risks of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a very common procedure and is generally considered safe. Problems after cataract surgery are rare, but there are some slight risks as with all types of operation.
Potential risks and complications include:
- Bruising around the eyelids and behind the eye.
- Swelling.
- Bleeding within the eye, which can impair vision.
- Infection.
- Drooping eyelid.
- Unexpected damage to the back of the capsule which can cause the cataract lens to fall into the deeper part of the eye. Additional, specialist surgery is required to retrieve it, if this happens.
- Stitching: The usual surgical technique involves tiny incisions that do not require stitches. However, if the incisions need to be made larger, stitches may be required to close the wound. These stitches will be removed at the out-patient clinic review.
- Lens error: The lens that replaced your own natural lens is the incorrect prescription.
- Dry eyes.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery
If you are having the procedure under local anaesthetic, you can eat and drink as normal on the day of surgery. However, if you are having the procedure under general anaesthetic, you may be advised to fast prior to your procedure and to stop taking any medication that could increase your risk of bleeding, during cataract surgery. This will be all be confirmed as part of your pre-assessment.
Read more information around preparing for your surgery before coming into a hospital and information during your stay here.
Before the procedure
A week or so prior to surgery, you will have a pre-assessment with an ophthalmic nurse. This will also give you the opportunity to discuss any final questions around your surgery and recovery.
What does Cataract Surgery involve?
1.The nurses will check you in and carry out all the pre-operation tasks, including measuring your blood pressure and blood glucose level if you are diabetic. The nurse then administers the medication (drops or pellet) to dilate (enlarge) your pupils ready for the surgery.
2. The surgical team will visit you before surgery to check everything is in order and answer any questions or queries that you may have.
3. When the time comes for your surgery, you will be taken to the operating theatre where we will check your details again.
4. The appropriate anaesthetic will then be given to you. This is usually just anaesthetic eye drops administered beforehand, with additional anaesthetic given inside the eye during the operation. In some cases, you may be given an injection around the outside of the eye (called a sub-tenon's injection) before the operation.
5. The operation will then take place, and will take around 30 minutes to complete. There will be a bright light from the microscope which you will get used to. The surgeon will place a small clip - this will help you from blinking during the operation.
6. At the end of the procedure, you will have a shield to protect your eye. Don’t worry if your vision is blurry immediately following the procedure, this will gradually get better. You will then be taken back to the day-case unit and be advised to eat and drink as normal following surgery.
How long does Cataract Surgery take?
A cataract operation is a quick and straightforward day case procedure. It is usually performed under local anaesthetic and takes around 30 minutes to complete. You may be at the hospital for a period of up to 3 hours.
The hospital will advise a time you need to arrive there for the pre-surgery checks. They will also advise how long you will need to stay at the hospital for after the surgery, before they can discharge you, so you can arrange transport.
After the surgery
You can expect your vision to start improving after a few days, sometimes patients see much better the day following surgery. You may experience some blurring at first, this should be during the recovery period as your eye heals and adjusts.
After your surgery, colours may seem brighter because you are looking through a clear, new lens.
You will be prescribed antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and some anti-inflammatory drops to help with irritation, red eye and light sensitivity, which are the most common eye symptoms post cataract surgery.
How long is the recovery period from Cataract Surgery?
In most cases, full recovery from cataract surgery can take anything from 2 to 8 weeks. There should be little pain or discomfort during this period.
Most patients get a foreign body sensation or irritation in the eye after surgery. This typically last from 2-4 weeks but the eye drops prescribed by your surgeon post-operatively help with this.
Is Cataract Surgery recovery painful?
The recovery period following cataract surgery is generally not painful, some patients experience minor discomfort. Most patients get a foreign body sensation or irritation in the eye after surgery. This typically last from 2-4 weeks but the eye drops prescribed by your surgeon post-operatively help with this. Other symptoms that can be experienced are:
- Itching or a sensation of something in the eye.
- Mild soreness or a gritty feeling in the eye.
- Slight sensitivity to light and experience some blurred vision.
When should I call my doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms following surgery, call your doctor right away:
- Eye pain or redness
- Crusting or discharge around your eye
- Eye floaters
- Flashes
- Vision loss
- Worsening vision
How much does Cataract Surgery cost?
Cataract surgery may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.
If you decide to pay for your cataract treatment, it is easier than you think to access private hospital treatment. At Ramsay Health Care, we offer a range of ways to fund treatment, giving you the flexibility to choose which option best suits you and your finances. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.
Your nearest Ramsay hospital will be able to give you a price for the surgery.
Book your Cataract Surgery with Ramsay Health Care UK
If you are experiencing any cataract symptoms you should book an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Early treatment can help improve your vision and lead to a better quality of life.
At Ramsay, we have highly skilled and experienced consultant ophthalmologists who can offer fast and convenient appointments for cataract surgery at a Ramsay Hospital near you.
Frequently asked questions
