Day of cataract operation

Overview

Cataract surgery is a routine operation to remove the cloudy lens from your eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens. On the day of your operation, you will go to the hospital or clinic, have the procedure, and usually go home the same day. The surgery itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is done with numbing eye drops so you stay awake but feel no pain.

Yes, cataract surgery is very common. In the UK, around 400,000 cataract operations are done each year. It is a routine procedure with a high success rate.

Cataract surgery is for people whose cataracts are affecting their everyday life, such as making it hard to read, drive, or see faces clearly. It is most often done in older adults, but can be performed at any age if needed.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Before surgery, you may notice blurry, cloudy, or dim vision that makes daily tasks difficult.
• On the day of surgery, it is normal to feel a little anxious. The medical team will explain each step to help you feel calm.

Symptoms in children

• Children having cataract surgery are usually given general anaesthesia (they are put to sleep). The preparation and care instructions will be given by the child’s eye specialist.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have other health conditions that need careful planning. The surgical team will check your medicines and overall health before the operation.

Causes

Main causes

• Cataracts develop when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy, usually due to ageing.
• Other causes include injury to the eye, long-term use of certain medications (like steroids), or other medical conditions such as diabetes.

Risk factors

• Age over 60 is the main risk factor.
• Family history of cataracts
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Exposure to sunlight without eye protection
• Certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden vision changes, eye pain, or injury to your eye before your scheduled surgery, contact your hospital or eye clinic immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You will already have been scheduled for surgery based on previous eye exams. If your symptoms worsen while waiting, let your doctor know.

Diagnosis

Cataracts are diagnosed by an eye specialist through a comprehensive eye exam. On the day of surgery, your vital signs and eye will be checked to ensure you are ready.

Tests that may be done

• Visual acuity test (reading an eye chart)
• Slit-lamp examination (microscope to look at the front of your eye)
• Measurement of the shape and size of your eye to choose the right artificial lens

What to expect at your appointment

On the day of surgery, you will arrive at the hospital or clinic, check in, and have a final assessment. The nurse will put dilating drops in your eye, and you may have a light sedative if needed. You will then be taken to the operating room where the surgeon will perform the procedure.

Treatment

Cataract surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. It is usually done as a day case, meaning you go home the same day. The surgeon makes a tiny cut in your eye, uses ultrasound to break up the cloudy lens, and removes it. Then a clear artificial lens is inserted. No stitches are needed in most cases.

Self-care at home

• Follow all pre-operative instructions, such as not eating or drinking for a few hours before surgery if told to.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
• Wear comfortable clothing and avoid eye makeup or lotions on the day of surgery.

Medical treatments

The medical team will use numbing eye drops or an injection around the eye so you feel no pain. You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. The surgeon will guide you to look at a light during the procedure. Antibiotic drops may be used after surgery to prevent infection.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is recommended when cataracts interfere with your daily activities like reading, driving, or seeing in dim light. Your eye doctor will help you decide the right time.

Living with this condition

On the day of surgery, after a short recovery in the clinic, you will go home. Your vision may be blurry or watery. You will need to wear a protective shield over your eye at night and avoid rubbing it. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to check your progress.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not drive for at least 24 hours or until your doctor says it is safe.
• Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, or strenuous activity for about a week.
• Keep water and soap out of your eye when showering or washing your face.
• Use the prescribed eye drops exactly as directed.

Diet and exercise

You can eat and drink normally after surgery unless told otherwise. Light activity like walking is fine, but avoid anything that could strain your eye. Your doctor will advise when you can return to exercise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is common to feel a little anxious or emotional about surgery. This is normal. Talk to your healthcare team or a trusted friend if you feel worried. Most people feel relieved after the surgery is over.

Prevention

Cataracts cannot be prevented, but you can lower your risk by protecting your eyes from sunlight, not smoking, and managing health conditions like diabetes. A healthy diet with fruits and vegetables may also help.

Screening programmes

Regular eye exams are important for early detection. Your optician can check for cataracts even before you notice symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• If cataracts are left untreated, vision can continue to worsen and make daily activities very difficult.
• Severe cataracts can lead to blindness, but this is rare in places with good access to surgery.

Long-term outlook

Cataract surgery is very successful. Over 95% of people have better vision after the operation. Most people are happy with the results and can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Your eye doctor will let you know what to expect based on your individual situation.

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