Surgery

How is surgery done?

The cataract is removed from the eye by an operation called 'phakoemulsification'.  A tiny 2mm incision is made in the wall of the eye usually under the upper eyelid.  This is about the thickness of a 10p coin.  The cataract is dissolved painlessly using a special instrument called a phakoemulsification needle.  A new plastic lens is folded in half, gently squeezed through the incision and unfolded inside the eye.  The incision is self sealing and does not usually require stitches. 

The operation is usually performed whilst you are awake.  The eye is numbed with drops.

This lady is awake and comfortable, lying on her back.  There are drapes over her eye and there is plenty of space for her to breathe underneath. The surgeon is looking at the cataract with a microscope and removing it with phakoemulsification.  The nurse is assisting.

What to expect

If you think you have a cataract you will need to arrange an appointment to see an eye surgeon.  At this appointment your pupils will be dilated with drops.  You will be scheduled for surgery and the operation will be fully explained.  Measurements will be taken to calculate the strength of replacement lens required.  Do not drive to this appointment.

On the day of surgery wear comfortable loose fitting clothes.  You will have drops in the eye to dilate the pupil and anaesthetise the eye.  

In the operating theatre, light drapes will be placed over the eye and a small instrument is used to open the eyelids. 

After surgery which takes between 15 and 20 minutes you will have a clear shield over the eye which you can go home with once the surgery has been checked.  You will be given a pill to take after the operation with a further one to be taken at bed time.  This is to prevent any pain from transient pressure rises in the eye following surgery. 

Following surgery you will be given drops to use 4 times a day for two weeks.  The vision should clear within a few hours of the operation and rapidly improve over the next week or two.  Glasses will be prescribed 4 weeks following surgery.