Cataract surgery and recovery

It is your choice whether to have cataract surgery, however, for the majority of people it is the only treatment for the condition. For those with complex cataracts, there may be a risk if they are not treated, your team will be able to advise if this is the case.

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

For most people, once treated, vision is restored to how it was before the cataract developed and it is rare that there isn't a noticeable improvement. If your vision is more complicated, however, perhaps due to another eye condition, your consultant will be able to explain to you the level of improvement to expect.

Once treated, your vision can return to how it was before the cataract started developing (as long as no other eye conditions are affecting sight).

Cataracts can be removed at any stage.

You don’t have to wait for them to fully develop before having surgery. Making the decision to have your cataracts removed depends on:

• how badly your sight is affected
• whether you have any other eye conditions
• whether you only have sight in one eye
• how you use your sight from day to day

If your sight is affected and you have no other eye conditions or health concerns, then the benefit of having your cataracts removed usually outweighs the risk of surgery. The benefit would not outweigh risk if it's a mild cataract that isn't affecting your sight.

If you’re finding it difficult to do any day-to-day tasks such as reading, using a computer or driving, then removing your cataracts may be necessary.

‍The timing of surgery is different for everyone.

‍If you make your living by driving, for example, you may need your cataracts removed earlier than someone who doesn’t drive. Sometimes it is advised you have treatment earlier because of another eye condition that is affected by the cataract.

Waiting times for cataract surgery will depend on the waiting lists in your local area. If you live in England, you can use the NHS My Planned Care website to check the waiting times at your hospital.
‍
Did you know?

You can also speak to your GP if there are very long waiting lists in your local area.

If your daily activities are being adversely affected by your declining sight, your GP may be able to refer you to another hospital nearby with a shorter waiting list.

If you have further questions you can also contact the ECLO for advice.

Whether you get treatment on the NHS or choose to go privately is your decision. Here are some points for you to consider

Cost

Surgery through the NHS is free. For private care, you will need to pay; this price will depend on who you choose for your treatment.

Wait times

Waiting times through the NHS vary depending on where you are located, so it's best to check with your doctor or visit the NHS My Planned Care website if you live in England by clicking here.

In private clinics, wait times can be much shorter, starting from a couple of weeks. Check with your chosen treatment provider to confirm.

Lens Options

The NHS uses standard monofocal lenses which means they have one focus point so most people will need reading glasses after surgery. However, some short-sighted people prefer to stay short-sighted, and they can request this from their consultant.

Private clinics have multiple lens options which can correct your vision for both distance and near and remove your need for glasses post-surgery. The consultant will talk you through the pro's and con's of this option. There is also the option to have one eye focused for distance and one for reading, known as monovision.

Choice of surgeon

An NHS surgeon will be assigned based on location and availability. If you choose to go privately you are often able to choose your consultant (this is dependent on the clinic).

Aftercare

You will have a post-operative check 4-6 weeks after surgery.

If you choose to go to a private clinic, make sure to check what aftercare is included in the price of your treatment.

After your dressing is removed post-operation, you may notice brighter and clearer vision.

For some, improvement in vision is immediate, but it may take two to five days; at that point, the eye will feel normal.

Any side effects usually resolve within a few days, but full eye recovery can take 4 to 6 weeks.

During recovery, your prescription is likely to change, so you won't be able to order new glasses until your eye has healed completely. Your optician or eye doctor can advise you on possible solutions to help you see better as your eye heals

Many people feel normal the day after surgery, however, some may experience temporary tiredness post-surgery, usually getting back to normal within a few days.

Following surgery, you’ll be given a course of eye drops to control swelling and to help your eye to heal. It is important to finish this course of treatment. This usually means using several different eye drops for 4 weeks. Your ophthalmologist will tell you about your specific course and dose.

If you think you’ll have difficulty putting in the drops, your ophthalmologist may recommend a suitable dispenser to help or will discuss with you how you might manage this.

Taking care of your eye after surgery is important, here are some of the dos and don'ts to note.

Do

• Use eyedrops as instructed, taking note of how you store the drops
• Take it easy for at least 2-3 days and rest
• Wear an eye shield, old glasses or sunglasses outside for at least a week
• Take painkillers if you need them
• Shower and wash as usual, while being careful not to get water in your eye
• Avoid washing our hair for 24-48 hours. After this time period make sure to wear your eye shield while washing your hair
• Read, watching TV and use a computer as usual

Don't

• Don't drive until you're fully recovered and wear contact lenses unless under the strict instruction of the consultant, and then only if you are certain your vision reaches the required vision standards
• Don't take part in strenuous activity, heavy lifting or contact sports until your eye is fully healed
• Don't rub your eye while it is healing
• Don't wear eye make up until your eye has healed
• Don't get irritants in your eye such as shampoo
• Don't swim until your eye has healed
• Don't fly without seeking advice from a doctor

Cataract surgery is generally a safe and successful operation. It is the most common operation performed in the UK. The chances of having a serious complication are very low.

The most common complication is posterior capsule opacification (PCO) this is where your lens capsule, which holds your new lens in place, becomes cloudy.

PCO can occur months to years after surgery, affecting vision in roughly one in five cases.

Treatment typically involves a quick outpatient laser procedure to restore clear vision.

It’s normal to experience some redness, watering, or grittiness of the eye. If you have any unexpected symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.

Unexpected symptoms include:

• severe pain
• blurriness or distortion in your vision
• flashing lights or floaters
• persistent redness, pain or light sensitivity

If you have any of these complications, the sooner that treatment is given, the better the outcome for your sight. If you're in doubt about whether your symptoms are routine or not, it is always best to contact your eye hospital or optician for medical advice.