Cataract surgery: Everything you need to know before the procedure

With a short surgical time, minimal downtime, and high success rates, cataract surgery is one of the most effective procedures for restoring clear vision.

If you are considering cataract surgery, this article addresses key questions to help you understand the procedure, recovery, risks, and outcomes.

What are the indications for cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is indicated when cataracts begin to interfere with daily life.

Vision problems caused by cataracts often include blurry or hazy vision, increased sensitivity to light and glare (particularly from headlights at night), double vision, and difficulty seeing colours.

If these symptoms impact your ability to perform tasks such as reading, driving, or recognising faces, cataract surgery may be recommended.

How is cataract surgery performed?

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery itself takes 10 to 20 minutes per eye, although you will spend a few hours at the clinic for preparation and observation.

The standard method is phacoemulsification, where a small incision is made in the eye and ultrasound energy is used to break up the cataract into smaller pieces. The fragments are then removed through a small incision, and the IOL is inserted.

In some cases, laser-assisted cataract surgery, which uses a laser to perform some steps of the surgery, will be used for increased precision.

When it comes to the IOL, your ophthalmic surgeon will recommend the most suitable lens for your situation based on your lifestyle, visual needs, and eye health. Several lens options are available, including:

• Monofocal lenses: Monofocal lenses correct vision at a single distance (typically distance vision). Glasses are required for other distances.
• Multifocal lenses: Multifocal lenses provide clear focus at various distances. They reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
• Toric lenses: Toric lenses correct astigmatism, a condition that causes blurred or distorted vision.

How long is the recovery period?

Recovery from cataract surgery is generally quick, with patients noticing some improvement in vision within the first few days. However, complete recovery will take 4 to 6 weeks to allow the eye to heal fully. During this period, you will need to use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation, avoid strenuous activities, and refrain from rubbing your eyes.

Complications are rare, but as with any surgical procedure, cataract surgery carries some risks. These include infection, swelling, bleeding, retinal detachment, or dislocation of the IOL, which can be managed effectively with proper treatment.

A condition known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO) may occur in some cases, causing clouding of the lens capsule months or years after the surgery. However, this can be treated with a quick laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.

What is the success rate of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful surgical procedures performed today, with over 95% of patients experiencing significant improvement in vision. Regular follow-ups with your ophthalmic surgeon will ensure that healing progresses smoothly and that any issues are promptly addressed.