Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is necessary when the lens of the eye has become so cloudy that it affects your ability to achieve good vision.  During surgery the cataract is removed and a new lens is inserted into your eye to improve your vision.  How well you see following cataract surgery depends on the health of your eye and whether any other eye conditions are present.

Cataract surgery is performed in hospital as a day procedure.  You will be at the hospital for five to six hours.  Fasting is required before surgery – no food or drink.  Your normal medications can be taken unless told otherwise. 

During the operation you will be awake however a mild sedative will mean that you may not remember the procedure.  You will have local anaesthetic on your eye, either by drops or injection.

The procedure involves an incision at the edge of the cornea so a machine can be used to break down your cloudy lens and then remove it.  Once the cataract is removed a new intraocular lens is placed in the same location as your natural lens.  Your new lens will have been chosen to suit your eye and your visual needs.

There is very little pain after cataract surgery.  After the local anaesthetic wears off your eye may feel slightly uncomfortable but paracetamol or Panadeine should give relief.  If you have severe pain or a change in your vision after the operation, please contact your surgeon immediately as there may be a complication.  Prompt treatment generally gives a better outcome.

After surgery your eye will be patched for at least six hours or until the following morning when the eye is reviewed.  You will be seen for a post operative appointment with the doctor within 24 hours to see how your eye is healing.  You will need to use eye drops after the surgery for three to four weeks.  Once your vision has settled your glasses may need to be updated, generally three to four weeks post-operatively.

What are the risks?

All procedures carry a risk.  Most cataract surgery proceeds well however it is important to be aware that complications can occur.  The risks associated with cataract surgery include; bleeding, infection, retinal detachment, swelling of the retina, technical problems with the cataract removal or intraocular lens placement, an error in the lens strength, elevated pressure in the eye, corneal swelling or ulceration and/or damage to the optic nerve.  Eye irritation or worsening of previous of dry eye can occur.

Most complications can be treated with drops.  Occasionally a further operation is required.  Rarely permanent damage and loss to your vision can occur after cataract surgery.  Most cataract surgery proceeds well.

If you have any questions please ask your surgeon.