Cataract Surgery (Phacoemulsification)

 > Ophthalmology

 > Cataract Surgery (Phacoemulsification)

What is a cataract?

A cataract occurs when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy; this is usually caused by ageing. The natural lens in your eye helps you to see clearly by focusing the light rays entering your eye. A cataract causes blurred vision or changes the focus of your eye. If your vision is severely affected, this can interfere with your daily activities, including reading, watching television and driving.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Cataract surgery will help you to see clearly again.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

New glasses may improve your vision to some extent but if the cataract is too advanced, glasses will not help. Your surgeon (ophthalmologist) will assess you and tell you if cataract surgery is suitable for you. Leaving a cataract untreated does not threaten your vision straightaway but it can be disabling. If the cataract does get worse, your vision will also get gradually worse until you have little vision left. However it is your decision to go ahead with the operation or not.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is usually performed under a local anaesthetic given as eye drops. The operation usually takes about 20 minutes.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cataract and replacing it with an artificial lens implant.

Your surgeon will make a small cut at the edge of the cornea, which is the clear part at the front of your eye covering the iris and pupil. They will usually break the cataract into small pieces using ultrasound (sound waves) and then remove it from your eye through the cut.

Your surgeon will place the lens implant behind the iris in the same bag (or capsule) in your eye that held the natural lens in place.

How soon will I recover?

Do not drive, operate machinery or do any potentially dangerous activities for at least 24 hours and not until you have fully recovered feeling, movement and co-ordination.

If you have had a general anaesthesia or sedation, you should also not sign legal documents or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.

Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to normal activities. Most people resume normal activities soon after the procedure. It is important to look after your eye as advised, to reduce the risk of complications.

Your surgeon may give you an eye shield to wear at night for about a week.

You will be given eye drops to instil following your surgery, these may continue for up to 6 weeks.

Your surgeon will tell you if new glasses will improve your vision.

Do not swim or lift anything heavy until you have checked with your surgeon.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Do not drive until you are confident about controlling your vehicle and always check your insurance policy and with your doctor.

What complications can happen?

General complications of any operation

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection

Specific complications of this operation

  • Tear in the bag which holds the lens in place
  • Heavy bleeding inside your eye
  • Clouding of the bag which holds the artificial lens in place
  • Retinal detachment
  • Inflammation in your other eye
  • Cornea abrasion
  • Cystoid macular oedema, which is a swelling of the area of the retina responsible for visual sharpness

Pricing*

Cataract Surgery (Phacoemulsification)
Guide price
£2,966

Consultant fees and diagnostics
Our fixed-price packages do not include consultant fees for the initial consultation. Consultation fees will vary, but on average they tend to start from around £200.
You will also need to pay separately for diagnostics carried out during this initial consultation, for example, if you need an X-ray or blood tests. Your consultant will check that you are OK with all prices before booking any procedures.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

A cataract is a common problem where the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudy. If your vision is getting worse and affecting your daily activities, cataract surgery should improve your vision.

What to do next
  1. Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
  2. If you need one, ask your GP for a referral letter.
  3. Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.
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“Can not fault this hospital one bit. All of the staff were so lovely nothing was too much trouble. Very reassuring and caring which made me feel very much at ease, I didn’t want to come home! They all do such an amazing job and I’m very thankful for everything.”

Jade Baker

“Just had a total knee replacement at this fabulous hospital. From the moment you walk through the door you feel at ease. Everyone was so kind and caring. I was very nervous before my operation, but was soon assured everything would be fine. Thank you to all of you I met over my 4 day stay xx.”

Margaret Dawson

“I was very nervous and stressed before my treatment but all the staff went above and beyond to calm me down and reassure me. I was well informed and was made to feel like a person not just another number. The room I was in was spotlessly clean, not too hot and smelled fresh and not “hospitally”. The staff were very efficient and thorough.”

Leanne Helm

“I was discharged last night following an operation on my ankle. All of the staff where polite and extremely attentive. The room was cosy and clean. Every need was catered for. I was really dreading my operation the staff managed to make my stay very pleasant. Best hospital I’ve ever been in and would highly recommend to anyone. Excellent.”

Mark Goodlad

“Lovey staff, consultants too and such a good atmosphere. Can’t fault it at all”

Vikki Leworthy