What does cataract surgery look like?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and effective eye procedures performed to restore clear vision to those suffering from cataracts. If you’re considering this surgery, understanding what it entails can help alleviate any concerns and prepare you for a successful recovery.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy due to ageing or other factors, such as diabetes or prolonged exposure to UV rays. This cloudiness can impair your vision, making it blurry, dull, and less colourful. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of the cloudy lens, replaced by a clear artificial lens.

Preparing for Surgery

Before the surgery, you'll undergo a series of tests to determine the shape and size of your eye. This helps your surgeon select the appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) that will replace your natural lens. You'll discuss with your doctor any risks and benefits associated with different types of IOLs, whether you might benefit more from a standard lens or a premium lens that can correct other vision issues like astigmatism.

It's important to follow pre-surgery instructions closely, which may include discontinuing certain medications or using antibiotic eye drops to reduce the risk of infection.

The Day of Surgery

Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. On the day of the surgery, you'll be given eye drops and sometimes a mild sedative to help you relax. Local anesthesia will numb your eye area, so you feel no pain during the procedure.

The surgeon will make a tiny incision in the eye to access and remove the clouded lens. Using high-frequency ultrasound or a laser, the lens is carefully broken up and suctioned out. The next step is the placement of the new intraocular lens. This part of the procedure is delicate and requires meticulous precision to ensure the lens is perfectly positioned.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the surgery, you will rest in a recovery area as the sedative wears off. You may notice an immediate improvement in your vision, though it could be blurry for a few days. It's normal to experience some grittiness, watering, or mild discomfort as your eye heals.

Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation and advise you to avoid strenuous activities and direct sunlight. Follow-up visits are crucial to monitor your healing and adjust any further treatment as needed.

Long-Term Outcomes

Most people who undergo cataract surgery experience a dramatic improvement in their vision. This improvement can significantly enhance your quality of life, allowing you to return to activities you enjoy without the hindrance of poor vision. It's also possible that you might need glasses for certain activities, like reading or driving at night, depending on the type of IOL you receive.

Emotional and Psychological Impacts

The improvement in vision after cataract surgery can have profound emotional and psychological benefits. Many patients report better mood, increased independence, and a greater ability to engage in social activities and hobbies that require good vision. This surgery not only improves visual clarity but also enhances overall quality of life.

Curious about whether cataract surgery is the right option for you? Take our quick suitability self-test to find out more and determine if you could benefit from this procedure.