Cataract Surgery (Phacoemulsification)
This webpage will give you information about cataract surgery.
If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant
health professional.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy,
usually caused by ageing (see figure 1). A cataract causes blurred
vision or changes the focus of your eye.
What are the benefits of surgery?
If the operation is successful, your vision should improve.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
New glasses may improve your vision to some extent. However, if
the cataract is too advanced, surgery is the only option to restore
your vision.
What does the operation involve?
Cataract surgery is usually performed under a local anaesthetic.
However, a variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible. The
operation usually takes between twenty and thirty minutes.
Surgery involves removing the cataract and replacing it with an
artificial lens implant.
Your surgeon will usually break the cataract into small pieces
using ultrasound (sound waves) and then remove it from your eye
through a small cut.
They will then insert the lens implant behind the iris in the
same bag (or capsule) that held the natural lens in place.
Figure 1
Cross-section of the eye
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Tear in the bag which holds the lens in place
- Severe bleeding
- Clouding of the bag
- Retinal detachment
- Inflammation in the other eye
- Corneal abrasion
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home a few hours
after the operation.
You should go to your optometrist (optician)
for an eye test three to six weeks after your operation as you will
usually need new glasses.
Regular exercise should help you to return to
normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising,
you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for
advice.
Most people make a good recovery with improved
vision.
Summary
A cataract is a common problem where the natural lens of your
eye becomes cloudy. Cataract surgery should improve your
vision.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Anthony King MD FRCOphth
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2011
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2011 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is produced
by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health Care
UK. The intellectual property rights to the information belong
exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial
use.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.