A cataract is a cloudy change in the eye’s natural lens that gradually reduces vision, often causing blurred or dim sight and increased sensitivity to light and glare.

When should I seek treatment for cataracts?

You should seek treatment when cataract symptoms start to interfere with everyday activities such as reading, driving or recognising faces, or when your optometrist or GP advises that the cataract is significantly affecting your vision.

What are the NHS criteria for cataract surgery?

Under NHS England guidance, cataract surgery is usually offered when reduced vision has a clear impact on daily living or driving and when the cataract is confirmed as the main cause of the visual problem. Eligibility is assessed by your local NHS team or integrated care board.

Can cataracts be treated without surgery?

Early on, stronger glasses, brighter lighting or anti-glare lenses may help, but they do not remove the cataract. Surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear intra-ocular lens, is currently the only definitive treatment.

What happens during cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is usually done as a day case under local anaesthetic. A tiny incision is made, the cloudy lens is broken up with ultrasound, removed and replaced with a clear lens implant. The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes per eye.

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

Many people notice better vision within a few days, but full recovery can take 2–6 weeks. You will receive eye drops, an eye shield and clear instructions on rest, activity and follow-up appointments.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is very successful for most patients, but as with all operations there are risks, including infection, bleeding, retinal swelling, raised eye pressure or reduced vision. Serious complications are rare but can occasionally lead to permanent loss of sight.

NHS Cataract

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a small cloudy patch that forms over the eye's clear natural lens eventually causing blurred vision and loss of sight. It usually affects older adults and symptoms include decreased clarity that cannot be corrected with lenses; increased sensitivity to light and glare; deteriorating might vision and changes in perception of colour.

When Should I Seek Treatment?

Initially a cataract may have little impact on your vision. However as the symptoms develop, your vision will deteriorate and eventually make it difficult to carry out your daily activities. If treatment is not sought, your vision will become worse.

NHS Criteria for Cataract Procedure

Under NHS England guidelines, cataract surgery is considered when the visual impairment significantly limits daily living and/or driving, or when assessment indicates that the cataract is the main cause of the visual problem. Referrals are reviewed by your local ICB and hospital service to assess urgency and suitability. At Deeping Surgical, we can support eligible patients through referral via our "Right to Choose" pathway to a community surgical setting.

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Can It Be Treated Without Surgery?

In the early stages, lifestyle measures such as brighter lighting, anti-glare lenses or updated glasses may help reduce symptoms. However, while these adjustments might temporarily ease discomfort, they do not clear the cataract. Surgery remains the inly definitive treatment to restore clear vision by replacing the clouded lens with a clear intra-ocular lens (IOL).

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What Happens During the Surgery?

On the day of the operation, you will be admitted to our facility. Under local anaesthetic (typically eye drops or mild sedation), the Surgeon makes a very small incision in the eye. A small clip is positioned on the eyelid to ensure the eye remains open during the procedure. The cloudy lens is broken up by ultrasound (phacoemulsification), removed and a clear artificial lens implanted. The incision is usually self-healing but occasionally may need a tiny stitch. The surgery itself will only take approximately 15-30 minutes. You will need to remain still for the duration of the procedure.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Before Surgery:

Initially, you will have a pre-operative assessment appointment where your vision will be tested, eye measurements will be taken to determine the correct lens power and your general health will be reviewed. During this appointment, drops will be added to your eyes to dilate the pupils and therefore, you must arrange for someone to drive you home.

After Surgery:

Immediately following the procedures, refreshments will be available and our trained team will review you after the procedure to ensure you are safe to go home. Your eye will be covered with an eye shield and you will be given drops that need to be administered into the operated eye. Post operative care instructions will be given to you to follow. Before you leave, arrangements will be made for a follow-up appointment.

The vision in your healing eye may be blurred as the new lens stabilises. Once home, rest for 2-3 days and avoid rubbing the eye. Continue to use the eye shield for 1 week, especially at night and outdoors.

Follow-up:

Your follow-up appointment will made 2-4 weeks post surgery. If your treatment is complete you will be discharged. If a further review appointment is needed, or you require a second cataract surgery, the dates will be arranged.

What Are the Risks?

Common complications

Eyes feeling sensitive to light
Mild discomfort - such as a gritty or burning sensation, itching or watering of the eye for a couple of days. Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen every 4-6 hours can help with the pain or discomfort.

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and safe operations. However, as with all surgeries, risks exist. These include infection, bleeding inside the eye, cystoid macular oedema (retinal swelling), increased ocular pressure, droopy eyelid, residual or imperfect vision. Pre-existing conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetes may reduce visual outcome. In most cases, complications can be effectively treated, however, very rarely some complications can cause blindness in the operated eye.

How Do I Prepare?

Transportation for each appointment: you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home as the drops usually cause blurred vision for about 4 hours.

Pre-operative Assessment Appointment

Follow the instructions provided in the patient information leaflet regarding the items you need to bring with you:

Glasses - or recent optical prescription
Medications - bring a full list of your medications including supplements
Diabetic record book with glucose readings
INR readings if you take Warfarin
Your GP's name and address and emergency contact details

Contact lens - soft lens must be removed 48 hours before the pre-op appointment. Gas permeable or hard lens must not be worn for 14 days prior to the pre-op.

Procedure Appointment

Medications - continue take all medications as prescribed unless advised otherwise by the Surgeon during your pre-op appointment. If you have a pre-existing condition that requires eye drops, ensure you have a fresh, unopened bottle.
Eat and drink as normal but only light meals
Your current glasses
Wear comfortable, loose fitting dark coloured clothing
Do not wear make-up

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the success rate of the procedure?

A: Cataract surgery has a very high success rate. Approximately 87% of patients report improved vision as a result of the surgery. Approximately 11% report their sight sight has remained unchanged. However, 2% feel they have worse vision than before, even with glasses / lenses. (NHS England 2022)

Q: How long does the procedure take?

A: The surgery itself usually takes around 15-30 minutes per eye. However, plan on being on site for a half-day to allow for admission and recovery.

Q: When will my vision return to normal?

A: Any discomfort including grittiness, watering and blurred vision should start to subside after a few days. You can start to notice an improvement in your vision anywhere between just 24 hours to 2 weeks, with a full recovery expected to be around 2 - 6 weeks.

Q: When can I return to work?

A: You should avoid rest and strenuous activity for 2-3 days after the procedure but returning to work will depend on your occupation and whether or not you need new glasses. You will not damage your eye by reading or looking at a monitor or screen. If you work in a dusty or dirty environment you may need to take 14 days off - the surgeon can issue a sick note, if required.

Q: How soon can I drive?

A: This will vary from patient to patient. You must meet the DVLA requirement for reading a number plate (with glasses or lenses) at 20.5m with both eyes open. You must also have an adequate field of vision and must not be experiencing any double vision. It is advisable to contact your insurance company before you start to drive again.

Q: How soon can I fly?

A: There is generally no restriction to flying following cataract surgery except in very rare circumstances.