“A cataract procedure only improves vision within each eye’s potential — informed expectations are part of a good outcome.”
Anaesthesia
The eye is made numb with drops only — no injection is given around the eye. As with any procedure, there are ocular and systemic risks associated with anaesthesia.
The Procedure
A small, self-sealing incision is made in the eye, rarely needing very fine sutures. The natural lens is then removed and an intraocular lens (IOL) is placed inside the eye.
Post-operative Care
Your eye is examined the day after surgery, then at intervals set by the surgeon. You’ll use eye drops for about 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your individual healing rate. If you chose monovision, a multifocal or a toric IOL to reduce dependence on glasses, glasses may still be needed for further improvement in distance or reading vision. Most people resume normal activities within 2 to 3 days, and glasses can usually be prescribed within 6 to 8 weeks.
Understanding the Risks
Cataract surgery is one of the most successful procedures in medicine, but no surgery is without risk. Being informed is part of preparing well:
- Mild discomfort for the first 24 hours is typical; severe pain is very unusual and should be reported immediately.
- Complications of lens removal can include bleeding, rupture of the supporting capsule, corneal clouding, macular swelling (cystoid macular oedema), retained lens fragments, infection, retinal detachment, raised pressure (glaucoma) or double vision — rarely leading to poor vision or, exceptionally, loss of the eye.
- IOL-related effects can include night glare or haloes, double/ghost images, or lens dislocation; multifocal IOLs can make these more likely, so consider how they might affect your work, hobbies and daily life.
- Monofocal IOLs mean distance or reading glasses will still be needed. Monovision can affect depth perception. Multifocal IOLs may give less sharp vision and night-driving side effects, and may not restore all near focus.
- Other eye diseases — glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration — and your individual healing ability affect the outcome.
- A future YAG laser capsulotomy may be needed to clear later clouding, regardless of the IOL chosen.
- Short eyes (hyperopia) carry a higher risk of choroidal effusion; long eyes (myopia) a higher risk of retinal detachment. Because one eye is operated at a time, a temporary imbalance between the eyes (anisometropia) can occur.
A Word on Expectations
There is no guarantee that surgery will improve your vision — a cataract procedure only improves vision within each eye’s own potential. It does not cure tearing, burning, itching, tired eyes or drooping lids, and in some cases complications can appear weeks, months or even years later. Understanding this honestly, together with your surgeon, is part of a good outcome.