Cataract surgery is a common day procedure in which the eye’s clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one. It is carried out under local anaesthetic with light sedation, so you stay awake while the eye is numbed, and you go home the same day. For most patients vision often begins to clear within days, though this varies and depends on the health of your eye.
- Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in Australia, with hundreds of thousands carried out each year.
- The entire process is carefully planned, guiding you smoothly from your initial decision, through your pre-surgery checks, to the procedure day and your recovery.
- The operation itself usually takes around 30 minutes.
- There are several types of artificial lens, and the right one is decided with your surgeon.
- You cannot drive straight after surgery, so arrange for someone to take you home.
This guide walks you through each stage, from the first conversation about surgery to the days and weeks of recovery afterwards. If you have recently been told you have cataracts, you are in good company. By the age of 70 nearly everyone has some degree of cataract formation, and around 411,000 Australians were living with cataract in 2017-18.
How Do You Know When You Need Cataract Surgery
Deciding on cataract surgery is a personal choice made together with your surgeon, and there is rarely a need to rush. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, and it cannot be cleared with glasses or eye drops. Surgery is the only effective treatment, but having a cataract does not always mean you need an operation straight away.
The right time is usually when the cataract starts to interfere with the things you want to do, such as driving at night, reading, watching television, or recognising faces. At your consultation, your surgeon will examine your eyes and ask how your vision is affecting daily life.
The decision rests on how much your sight has changed and how much it troubles you, not on a single test result. You will need a referral from your GP or optometrist to see a specialist. If you have not yet been referred, your optometrist is a good first port of call.
What Happens at Your Pre-Operative Assessment
Before the day of surgery, you will attend a pre-operative assessment so your surgeon can plan the procedure carefully for your eye. No two eyes are the same, and this preparation is what allows the surgery itself to be quick and precise.
A key part of the assessment is a set of careful measurements of your eye, sometimes called biometry. These measurements help your surgeon select an artificial lens of the correct strength to suit your eye. Your surgeon will also check the overall health of your eye, including the retina and the optic nerve, because other conditions such as macular degeneration or glaucoma can affect how much your vision improves.
This is also the time to talk through your lens options and ask questions. At Eastwood Eye Surgery we take the time to answer these at your assessment, and it helps to bring a list of the activities that matter most to you, and a family member or friend if that makes you feel more comfortable.
The Day of Surgery
The day of surgery is usually shorter and calmer than most people expect. At Eastwood Eye Surgery, the procedure is performed by our surgeons at a day surgery centre. Our team will confirm the venue and directions when your procedure is booked. Here is what a typical day looks like.
- Before the procedure, drops are used to widen your pupil, and the nursing team prepares you and answers any last questions.
- During the procedure, you lie comfortably and look towards a light, aware of light and gentle movement but not the surgery itself. The surgeon removes the clouded lens through a very small opening and places a clear artificial lens in its place.
- After the procedure, a protective shield is placed over your eye, and you rest in the recovery area before going home.
You will not be able to drive after surgery, so please arrange for someone to take you home. It is also sensible to have a responsible adult stay with you that evening.
After Surgery and Recovery
Recovery after cataract surgery is generally smooth, and it is normal for vision to be blurry or foggy at first as your eye settles. Your own timeline may differ from someone else’s.
In the first day or two, you may notice mild discomfort, a gritty feeling, watering, or sensitivity to light. These sensations usually settle quickly. At Eastwood Eye Surgery we will guide you through your recovery, and your surgeon will prescribe eye drops to help your eye heal and prevent infection. It is important to use them exactly as directed.
For the first week or so, a few simple precautions protect your healing eye.
- Wear the eye shield while you sleep, as advised.
- Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye.
- Avoid swimming and dusty or smoky places.
- Limit heavy lifting and very strenuous activity.
Many people return to light daily activities within a day or two, but full settling of your vision can take several weeks. Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe to drive again, which depends on how your vision recovers. If you need cataract surgery in both eyes, the eyes are usually treated at separate appointments a short interval apart, so the first can heal before the second.
Understanding Your Lens Options
Your lens options matter because the type of artificial lens influences the kind of vision you can expect afterwards. There is no single lens that suits everyone, and the right choice depends on your eyes, your lifestyle, and how you prefer to use your vision.
In broad terms, the main categories are:
- A standard single-focus lens, which gives clear vision at one distance, most commonly for distance tasks such as driving. With this lens you will usually still need glasses for reading.
- A lens that also corrects astigmatism, which suits people whose cornea is slightly oval. It corrects distance vision and astigmatism together.
- An extended-range lens, which aims to give a broader range of focus and may reduce, though not remove, the need for glasses for some tasks. It suits some patients and not others.
We do not name specific lens brands here. Intraocular lenses are regulated medical devices, and the most suitable option is decided through your individual assessment. Your surgeon will explain the choices in plain language so you can make an informed decision.
Questions Worth Asking Before You Agree to Surgery
Asking your surgeon questions is a great way to feel prepared and in control of your treatment. Remember, there are no silly questions. A good consultation should always leave you feeling well-informed and confident, never rushed. You may wish to ask:
- Which lens option suits my eyes and the way I use my vision?
- What level of vision is realistic for me, given the health of my eye?
- What are the risks of surgery in my particular case?
- How should I prepare, and what will recovery look like for me?
- When can I expect to drive, read, and return to my usual activities?
Your surgeon is required to discuss the risks of surgery with you before you agree to go ahead. Cataract surgery has a strong safety record, and serious complications are uncommon, but no procedure is without risk. An honest conversation is the surest way to weigh up whether surgery is right for you now.
Warning Signs After Surgery That Need Prompt Attention
Seeking help promptly matters in the rare event that something is not right after surgery. Most people recover without any problems, but you should contact our rooms or seek urgent assessment without delay if, after leaving hospital, you notice:
- A sudden reduction in your vision
- Increasing pain in or around the eye
- Significant redness
- Any discharge from the eye
These symptoms are uncommon, but they need prompt review. If you are ever unsure, it is always better to call and ask.
Ready to Talk About Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a significant decision, and we are here to explain every step so you can make the choice that is right for you. Our surgeons hold specialist registration with AHPRA.
You can learn more on our Cataracts condition page and our Cataract Surgery procedure page, or find out what to bring and what to expect on our New Patients page.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. It has been reviewed by a specialist ophthalmologist at Eastwood Eye Surgery. Outcomes of cataract surgery vary from person to person. Your surgeon will discuss what is realistic for your individual situation at your consultation.