Cataract Surgery

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This cloudiness can make vision appear blurred, similar to looking through a fogged or frosted window. As a result, everyday tasks such as reading, driving at night, or recognising facial expressions can become more difficult.

Cataracts usually develop gradually and may not affect vision at first. Over time, however, they can progressively reduce visual clarity.

In the early stages, improved lighting and prescription glasses may help manage symptoms. When vision loss begins to interfere with daily activities, cataract surgery may be recommended. Cataract surgery is a common procedure and is generally very safe and highly effective.

Common symptoms of cataracts include:

• Cloudy, blurred, or dim vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare
• Needing brighter light for reading or close work
• Seeing halos around lights
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
• Colours appearing faded or yellowed
• Double vision in one eye

Most cataracts develop as a result of ageing or injury, which can change the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Over time, the proteins and fibres within the lens begin to break down, causing the lens to become cloudy and vision to deteriorate.

Certain inherited conditions that affect overall health may increase the risk of developing cataracts. Cataracts can also be linked to other eye conditions, previous eye surgery, or medical conditions such as diabetes or long-term use of steroid medications.

Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes the eye’s cloudy natural lens and, in most cases, replaces it with a clear artificial lens. The procedure is performed by an eye specialist known as an ophthalmologist. Cataract surgery is usually done as day surgery, meaning you can return home the same day.

With your eye doctor, you will spend some time discussing the vision you would like to achieve post surgery and to determine the most suitable artificial lens for you, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Once in your eye, you won’t be able to see or feel it, and it requires no maintenance.

IOLs are made from materials such as acrylic or silicone. Some block ultraviolet light. Many modern lenses are flexible, allowing them to be inserted through a very small incision that often requires few or no stitches.

Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure and usually takes less than an hour.

Eye drops are used to dilate your pupil and numb your eye. You may also receive a sedative to help you relax. Although you will likely remain awake, you may feel drowsy.

During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and usually replaced with a clear artificial lens.

The most common surgical method is phacoemulsification, which involves making a very small incision in the cornea. An ultrasound probe is used to break up the cataract, and the fragments are gently removed. The back portion of the lens capsule is left in place to support the artificial lens.

Vision often begins to improve within a few days, although it may be blurry at first as the eye heals. Colours may appear brighter after surgery because the cloudy lens has been replaced with a clear one.

Follow-up visits are usually scheduled within 1-3 days and possibly again the following week, and about a month later to monitor healing.

Mild itching or discomfort is normal for a few days. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye. You may be asked to wear an eye patch or protective shield for a short time, including while sleeping.

Eye drops or other medications may be prescribed to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and control eye pressure. Most discomfort resolves within a few days, and complete healing usually occurs within about eight weeks.

Contact your eye doctor immediately if you experience:

• Sudden vision loss
• Persistent pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication
• Increasing redness or swelling
• Flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters

Most people will still need glasses at least some of the time after surgery. Your final glasses prescription is usually determined one to three months after surgery, once healing is complete.

If cataracts are present in both eyes, surgery on the second eye is typically scheduled 1 week to 1 month after the first eye.