Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens. It is usually performed as a day-case procedure under local anaesthetic.
Main Steps of the Operation
After numbing drops, a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea. The surgeon opens the front of the lens capsule and uses ultrasound energy to break up and remove the cloudy lens material.
- A foldable lens implant is inserted through the same incision
- The implant unfolds and sits securely inside the capsule
- Stitches are rarely needed because the incision is self-sealing
During and After the Procedure
Most patients see light and movement but feel no pain, only gentle pressure or cool fluid. The procedure usually takes less than half an hour per eye.
Immediate Recovery
A protective shield may be placed over the eye, and drops are started the same day. Vision is often brighter within a few days but continues to refine over several weeks. The Blue Fin Vision® blog article recovery tips after cataract surgery discusses common early experiences.
