How is cataract surgery performed?

Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the cloudy lens in a patient with cataracts, replacing it with an artificial, intraocular lens (IOL). Most patients undergoing cataract surgery report improved vision a few days after the procedure.

If you have questions about cataract surgery and the options that are available for you, please call us on 0203 369 2020, or request a call back.

What is cataract surgery?

Read about what sets our cataract surgery apart in our brochure. View our brochure page to receive your free download.

Cataract surgery is a simple and quick procedure that can be completed under local anaesthetic with sedation as a day case, with no overnight stay required. It can take as little as 15 minutes from start to finish. You will be awake throughout the procedure, which is painless, and will be able to go home shortly afterwards. You won’t be able to drive yourself, however, so it’s important to ensure that you have someone with you.

Eyes can either be operated on one at a time, with one to two weeks between procedures, or both eyes may be able to be done together.

What does the procedure involve?

Before your surgery begins, you will be given local anaesthetic eye drops to ensure that you don’t feel pain while the cataract surgery is being carried out. Sedation is administered by the anaesthetist to ensure that you are relaxed throughout the procedure.

Cataract surgery involves making a cut in the eye to remove the cloudy lens. This can either be done manually, with a surgical blade, or using a state-of-the-art femtosecond laser. Both forms of cataract surgery are safe, low-risk procedures.

To remove the cataract, a hole is made in the capsule bag and the lens is broken up into tiny pieces.

Once the lens has been removed, a new intraocular lens (IOL) is carefully inserted using ultra-precise keyhole surgery. The lens will be a bespoke prescription that allows the patient optimal focus. You can read more about our premium IOLS here.

Following a rest to recover from the anaesthetic, you will usually be free to go home. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your eye, and what to expect in the days following your cataract operation. You should wear sunglasses in the hours following cataract surgery and outside for one week. You will need to use eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation for two weeks following the procedure. Usually, you should be able to resume your day-to-day activities within a couple of days, light exercise after five days, and full exercise after two weeks.

What are the benefits of femtosecond laser cataract surgery?

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is performed without surgical blades. This technology allows surgeons to map the exact location of the planned incision, resulting in an ultra-precise and extra-safe operation. Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is a very new procedure, and our surgeons will be happy to answer any questions you may have about how the surgery is performed and whether it is suitable for you.

Cataract Surgery from £2500 with 0% finance options

Your eyes are unique and we customise all of our treatments to give you the best vision possible. Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden extras. We offer a 0% interest credit payment plan over 6, 12, or 24 months to help spread the cost of this life-enhancing procedure. See a full list of price & finance options here.

What makes our cataract surgery unique?

Treatment tailored for you

You are always at the centre of everything we do. We do not offer a one size fits all approach but rather customise every single treatment to your individual visual needs, so you’ll always get the best procedure for your eyes and your vision.

The choice for healthcare professionals

Our surgeons are known the world over and are some of the best in the country, with over 30,000 completed surgeries between them. We treat many surgeons, doctors and anaesthetists who also refer their friends and family to us as they know they will be in safe hands with our expert surgeons.

State of the art technology

We have spared no expense. Eye surgery requires perfect precision, that’s why we have invested in only the latest and most advanced technology. We are not tied into any particular company or manufacturer which means we have complete freedom to choose the best from the many options
available.

Experts you can trust

Patients need to be able to trust us with their eyes. We are honest with our approach and offer the very best evidence-based treatment with the your best interests always at heart. We pride ourselves on recruiting and retaining the best staff in the business to ensure that you are supported throughout every step of your journey.

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