A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye, limiting the amount of light that can enter, and preventing us from seeing well.

Cataract surgery is performed through a keyhole, microscopic and suture-less corneal incision. A highly sophisticated ultrasound probe is used to remove the cloudy lens, and an artificial transparent intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted in its place to restore better sight. 

Cataract surgery is normally carried out as a day-case procedure. It typically only takes 15 minutes to perform, and is carried out under sedation and local anaesthesia, and is not painful.

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You will usually have your cataract surgery 1-4 weeks after the consultation with your surgeon. Most people spend between 2 and 2.5 hours at the day surgery, and we recommend that you take at least two days off work afterwards.

Many people bring a friend or family member with them to help them get home afterwards, as your vision may be blurry for 48-72 hours. It is a good idea to bring sunglasses to wear on the way home, and please don’t wear eye makeup on the day.

You will be able to see within a day of the procedure being completed, but it will be a few days before you can see well enough to drive.

At the day surgery, the nurse will use drops to dilate your pupil. They will discuss the aftercare with you, explaining the eye drops and how to look after your eyes immediately after treatment, and in the days that follow.

The anaesthetist will talk to you about the anaesthetic procedure. They will give you sedation and a local anaesthetic injection around the eye once you are sedated. Whilst cataract surgery is carried out under local anaesthesia for the vast majority of patients, a general anaesthetic may be used in particular circumstances. The surgery then takes approximately 15 minutes. After surgery, you will rest on the recovery ward for 30-45 minutes.

You will go home with a pad on the eye which you can remove 6 hours after getting home. Your eyes will feel tired and gritty for the rest of the day, so we advise you to stay at home and rest.

You will be able to see the next day, but your vision will be slightly misty for 48 – 72 hours. Depending on what your vision was like before, you may notice a dramatic improvement straight away.

Cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to restore vision, and serious complications are very rare. Over 85% of our patients have better than 20/20 vision 1 month on from the procedure, and 95% of patients who otherwise have healthy eyes, have better than 20/40 vision (the legal driving standard) 1 month on from the procedure. Our surgeons have complication rates of around 0.15%, compared to the Australian average of 2% for cataract surgery, and are more than happy to disclose their results.

It is completely normal to experience a little blurred vision while your eyesight settles for a day or two, or in some cases for a week or two. Some people can require glasses for distance or near vision after cataract surgery. This and the various intraocular lens options will have been discussed with you during your initial consultation.

Months to years after cataract surgery, a minority of individuals do experience the onset of visual problems similar to those caused by cataracts, with symptoms including blurry vision and difficulty with glare from bright lights. This relatively common phenomenon is caused by a condition known as posterior capsule opacification and is caused by a thickening of the lens capsule that secures the artificial lens in place.

Treatment is a quick, simple, routine and very low-risk procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy and can be performed in rooms. Following this, patients can expect their sight to return to normal within a day or two (to the same level of sight that was originally restored by the cataract surgery).

Do you have another question about cataract surgery?
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As surgeons who perform corneal transplants and reconstructive anterior segment surgery, we are often referred complex cases from other general eye surgeons, including cataract surgery in Fuchs’ dystrophy, radial keratotomy and combined corneal transplantations. Complex reconstructions of the front of the eye are also performed including implantation of artificial iris segments and pupil reconstructions.

Permanent lens replacement or cataract surgery has evolved from simple removal of a lens or cataract to restoration of best possible vision. With premium multifocal lenses this can mean distance and reading vision, and correction of astigmatism, with minimal need for glasses.

There are a number of lens options available. The best option for you dependents on a number of factors including your current prescription, personal preferences and lifestyle. Your surgeon can discuss these with you in more detail.