How cataract surgery works
The cataract surgery process involves removing your damaged lens and replacing it with a premium synthetic lens to make your vision clearer and sharper.
The new synthetic lens corrects vision problems such as long sightedness, short sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. If required, it can be specially designed so that it corrects both near and distance vision.
What our patients say
Read Patient ReviewsI'm delighted with my eyesight now
Jeanne Simpson, Age 66, Treatment: Lens surgery
Cataract surgery procedure steps
When considering treatment, it’s only natural to wonder how cataract surgery is done. Below, we have outlined the various procedure steps involved in the cataract surgery process. Following surgery, your Optical Express aftercare will ensure you have all the information and assistance you need to adapt to your new vision.
On the day of treatment
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A warm welcome
When you arrive at your treatment clinic, you'll be greeted by your surgeon. The surgery team will use the latest state-of-the-art technology to capture detailed measurements of your eyes, to prepare you for surgery.
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Optometrist assessment
Our treatment support optometrist will record your vision with and without spectacles and perform an assessment of your eye health. Eye drops will be administered, so that your eye is comfortable during surgery.
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Anaesthetist
An anaesthetist will give you a local anaesthetic to ensure that you're comfortable during surgery. They will also offer you a light sedation, which will help to relax you during the procedure.
During treatment
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Preparing you for surgery
Your surgeon will gently create a small opening on the surface of your eye to get access to your natural lens.
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Lens exchange
The contents of the natural lens bag are carefully removed before the premium synthetic lens is put in place.
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Protection
Your surgeon will apply eye drops and instructions on how to use them. They will cover your eye with a bandage, which will keep it clean and protected to help with the healing process.
After surgery
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Sensitive eyes
After surgery you will experience a slight sensation in your eyes, which is perfectly normal. Be careful not to rub your eyes. Your surgeon will prescribe the right medication to help you manage this.
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Time to recover
Make sure you arrange transportation home in advance of your surgery, as you won't be able to drive after your procedure has been completed. You should go home to rest after treatment, returning for your second cataract surgery if required.
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Long term eye health
During the first 12 months following your surgery, you will attend routine follow up appointments as directed by your optometrist and surgeon. We recommend that you attend annual or bi-annual eye examinations to make sure your eyes remain in perfect health. Read more here.
How long does cataract surgery take?
Cataract surgery is done by replacing the cloudy lens with a clear synthetic lens, restoring youthful vision. A simple procedure, cataract surgery takes no more than 15 minutes per eye to perform. At Optical Express we can treat both eyes on the same day, unlike treatment with the NHS where patients will have their eyes treated on different days.
Recovery from the cataract surgery process is quick, with a vast majority of patients seeing results and returning to normal day-to-day activities anywhere between 24 hours to 2 weeks after treatment. We advise that patients wait a minimum of three days before returning to work. However, as everyone is different, your surgeon will make the best recommendation for you.
Have questions?
Visit our FAQs area for answers to all your questions on lens surgery.
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