Cataract surgery

PHAKOEMULSIFICATION


Cataract surgery can restore normal vision by replacing the clouded lens in your eye with an artificial one

Enquiries & Appointments

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Surgery for a cateract

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye, which can make your vision blurred or misty. You can develop cataracts in one or both of your eyes.

A surgical procedure can remove and replace the lens affected by cataracts to improve vision. In most cases a cataract procedure is conducted on one eye at a time.

Need to know

Before the procedure, your surgeon will put drops in your eye to widen your pupil and relax the muscles in your eye. Local anaesthetic drops are then applied to numb your eye and block pain during surgery.

To start the surgery your surgeon will make microscopic cuts on the surface of your eye. Using a specialised instrument that emits ultrasonic waves, they will break up the lens affected by the cataract into tiny pieces and remove it. The natural lens is then replaced by an artificial one, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You might need to have an assessment before your surgery to measure your eyes. This will help your consultant to select the artificial lens that is best for you.

Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You should be able to go home the same day with any pain or discomfort only lasting for a day or two. Your consultant may give you some eye drops to reduce any swelling or inflammation in your eye.

Most people who have cataract surgery find that their sight has improved immediately. However, your vision may still be blurred until your eye has fully healed. This can take from two to six weeks. You may need to wear reading glasses after cataract surgery.
Hospital stay and procedure

Paying for medical treatment

You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.

Our Cataract surgery consultants

Mr Say Aun Quah

Mr Say Aun Quah

Ophthalmology

Mr Richard Lee

Mr Richard Lee

Ophthalmology

Mr Felipe E Dhawahir-Scala

Mr Felipe E Dhawahir-Scala

Ophthalmology

Mr Andrew Coombes

Mr Andrew Coombes

Ophthalmology

Our Cataract surgery locations

The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients

The Wellington Hospital Outpatients

15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Golders Green Outpatients

Golders Green Outpatients

Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London
The Wilmslow Hospital

The Wilmslow Hospital

52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.