Cataract removal is a minimally invasive surgery to remove a cloudy lens from the eye. It requires only a tiny incision on the cornea, so it is fine to resume normal activity the day after the surgery.

Please discuss with your doctor whether you need to have the surgery if you have been diagnosed with cataract, and the blurred vision has affected your work or daily activity.

You should discuss with your eye doctor if you have any other visual symptoms.    

Before the surgery, your doctor will conduct some eye tests, using a scanning device on your eye to decide which kind of artificial lens suits you best. They may also prescribe eye drops for you. Please follow your doctor’s instructions.

You also need to sign a consent form to confirm that you understand the surgery and risks involved as explained by your doctor. You must inform your doctor if you have any chronic illness, drug allergy, or are taking any regular medication.    

Cataract removal is usually done under a local anaesthestic; a general anaesthetic may be needed for some cases. For the former, the doctor may apply drops on your eye, or inject the anaesthetic inside or beside the eye. This means you will be conscious, but you will see and feel nothing except a light. Instruments are used to prevent the eye from blinking or moving during surgery.

The doctor will first make a tiny cut on the side of your cornea, and then remove the cloudy lens through the opening.  It is then replaced with the artificial lens.

The entire surgery takes 20-30 minutes. The new lens will last for a lifetime without the need of renewal if there is no complication. The doctor will treat one eye at a time, so if you have cataract on both eyes, you will need to schedule another surgery, usually a few weeks later to let your eye recover.    

Your eye may be bandaged for a night after surgery. The doctor will give you eye drops to help healing and prevent infection, as well as a patch to wear over your eye at night for protection for about a week.  We suggest you have an adult accompany when you leave the clinic.

Usually you will then have a follow-up with your doctor within a couple of days. During recovery, please wear dark sunglasses to protect your eye from bright light. Do not rub your eye, or get soap or water in your eye for the first few days. Also you should avoid any vigorous activity for a short period according to your doctor’s instructions. 

Cataract removal is a generally safe surgery with low risk and a high success rate. Possible complications include infection, bleeding and retinal detachment; serious cases are extremely rare though. A common complication is the clouding of the remaining portion of the lens capsule, which can be treated with a simple laser treatment. Please consult your doctor immediately if you notice any problem with your eye.