Cataract surgery

What it is

The cloudy natural lens of the eye is broken up with ultrasound through a 2-3 mm incision at the edge of the cornea and sucked out, and a folded plastic lens is injected into the empty lens capsule where it unfolds. Done under drops or a local anaesthetic injection in 15-30 minutes, it is the commonest operation in the world.

Why it is done

• A cataract that blurs vision or causes glare enough to affect daily life, driving or work
• Rarely, to see the retina for treating diabetic eye disease, or to lower eye pressure in glaucoma

Before the procedure

• Eye measurements (biometry) to choose the lens power, aiming for distance or near focus
• Drops to dilate the pupil on the day; anaesthetic drops or a small injection
• No need to fast for local anaesthetic; regular medicines continued

Step by step

1. A tiny self-sealing incision is made at the edge of the cornea
2. A circular opening is torn in the front of the lens capsule
3. An ultrasound probe emulsifies the lens nucleus, which is aspirated along with the softer cortex
4. The folded intraocular lens is injected into the capsule and unfolds into place
5. The incision seals without stitches; antibiotic is placed in the eye

Afterwards

• Home within an hour with a clear shield to wear at night for a week
• Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for about four weeks
• Vision usually clears within days; new glasses after 4-6 weeks
• Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming and heavy lifting for a couple of weeks

Recovery

Most people see well within a few days and resume driving within one to two weeks once the eye meets the standard. The second eye is done weeks later.