In most cases, cataract surgery does not take five minutes from start to finish. Total operating theatre time in the UK is typically 15–30 minutes, including patient preparation, anaesthesia, surgical setup, lens implantation, and post-operative checks.
Why Confusion Arises
Confusion often arises because total theatre time is different from active intraocular time, the period during which surgical instruments are inside the eye. These two measures are frequently conflated when discussing “fast” surgery.
- Total theatre time: 15–30 minutes in most cases
- Active intraocular time: Often significantly shorter in routine cases
- Complex cases: Appropriately require additional time
In carefully selected, uncomplicated cases, highly experienced consultant surgeons may complete the active intraocular portion in under five to ten minutes while maintaining safety and precision.
How Leading Surgeons Achieve Efficiency
Across specialist centres, including institutions such as Moorfields Eye Hospital, efficiency is achieved through case selection, standardised technique, and experience, not by rushing surgery.
One example is 4-Minute Phaco™, a structured cataract surgery workflow developed by Mfazo Hove at Blue Fin Vision®. In suitable routine cases, the workflow focuses on reducing unnecessary intraocular time while preserving accuracy and safety. For more detail, see Is 5-Minute Cataract Surgery Really Possible?
What This Means for Patients
Five-minute cataract surgery is not appropriate for all patients, and complex cataracts require more time. Safety and outcomes always take priority over speed. Patients should focus on surgeon experience and audited results rather than procedure duration.
