Cataract surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens that gradually reduces how clearly you see. The established surgical treatment is phacoemulsification: the clouded lens is broken up by ultrasound and removed through a fine opening, and an artificial replacement lens is implanted. Femto-cataract technology is also available, using a femtosecond laser for the earliest steps of the operation — the incision, opening the lens capsule and softening part of the clouded lens — for extra precision and consistency before the remaining steps are completed by phaco; your doctor will confirm during examination whether it suits your case. The replacement lens's power is calculated beforehand from detailed measurements of the eye, and the available lens types are discussed with your doctor.

How it works

1. 1 Full examination and precise measurements to determine the implanted lens power
2. 2 Local anaesthetic in most cases
3. 3 The clouded lens is broken up by ultrasound, with femto-cataract laser assistance available for the initial steps where suitable, and removed through a fine opening
4. 4 The artificial replacement lens is implanted, followed by post-procedure care

Recovery

Most patients go home the same day, keeping to the prescribed drops and follow-up appointments. Avoiding rubbing the eye and following the precautions your doctor sets out matters in the early period. How long vision takes to settle varies between cases and your doctor will explain yours.