Cataract surgery
What cataract surgery involves, lens implant choices, anaesthesia, and aftercare. For background on cataracts themselves, see the cataract condition page.
The procedure
Cataract surgery is usually a day case under local anaesthetic — drops or an injection to numb the eye. You'll have dilating drops for an hour beforehand, then lie down for the procedure under an operating microscope, with a drape over the other eye.
Most patients need no stitches. A clear plastic shield is placed over the eye afterwards to reduce the risk of accidentally rubbing it. The operation usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Follow this link to watch a short video about cataracts, cataract surgery, and aftercare: Cataract surgery video (English). A Hindi/Urdu video is also available: Hindi/Urdu cataract surgery video.
Lens implant choices
The natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens implant (IOL). Rahila offers a full range of options and will talk through which suits your eyes and your daily life:
Standard single-focus (monofocal) lens — the most common and reliable choice. Usually set for clear distance vision, with reading glasses for near work. Monofocal lenses can also be used to leave you slightly short-sighted if you prefer — particularly if you are happy with your low myopia for near vision and comfortable wearing glasses or contact lenses for distance. Rahila routinely offers an enhanced monofocal lens as standard — sometimes called a monofocal plus lens — which gives a slightly extended range of focus at no additional visual compromise.
Extended depth of focus (EDoF) lens — designed to give clear distance vision with an extended range into the intermediate zone, useful for cooking, computers, and dashboards. EDoF lenses offer a more natural quality of vision than multifocal lenses, with less risk of glare and halos. Most patients need reading glasses only for small print or prolonged close work.
Toric lens — corrects astigmatism for the best visual outcome. Available in standard, EDoF and multifocal designs. Requires additional pre-surgery measurements and a specially ordered lens. Not all insurers cover toric lenses — please check your policy.
Multifocal lens — designed for distance, intermediate and near vision with reduced spectacle dependence. Not suitable for everyone, and not recommended if you have had previous macular problems. Many patients find EDoF lenses a better balance of performance and visual quality.
Monovision — one eye set for distance, the other for near. Suits patients already comfortable with this arrangement from contact lens wear.
Anaesthesia
Most cataract surgery is done under local anaesthetic — either drops or an injection to numb the eye, while you are awake. This is safe and well tolerated by the vast majority of patients.
For patients who are anxious, unable to lie still, or simply prefer not to be awake during eye surgery, light sedation can be arranged alongside local anaesthetic — this takes the edge off anxiety while avoiding a full general anaesthetic. General anaesthesia is also available where needed; this decision is made jointly with the anaesthetist looking after you.
What happens at your appointment
When you see Rahila, she will take a full medical history and examine both the front and back of your eyes with dilating drops. You'll have pre-operative measurements (biometry) and corneal topography to select the right lens power — usually done the same day.
Special-order lenses typically take a few days to arrive; expedited delivery can be arranged at some hospitals. In most cases you can choose which hospital you would like for your surgery.