When cataract surgery is described as taking “10–20 minutes,” this usually refers to total operating theatre time, not the time spent actively operating inside the eye. Understanding this distinction helps patients interpret what “fast” surgery really means.
What Total Theatre Time Includes
Total theatre time covers the full duration in the operating room. This includes:
- Patient positioning, anaesthesia, and surgical draping
- Cataract removal and lens implantation
- Wound closure and immediate post-operative checks
The active intraocular phase, when surgical instruments are inside the eye, represents only part of this process.
Why Active Intraocular Time Varies
In routine, uncomplicated cataract surgery performed by experienced consultant surgeons, the active intraocular phase may be significantly shorter than overall theatre time. This reduction occurs because steps are standardised, unnecessary movements are avoided, and surgical flow is optimised.
Across the UK, including at specialist centres such as Moorfields Eye Hospital, surgeons clearly distinguish between these two measures when discussing efficiency. For more detail, see Is 5-Minute Cataract Surgery Really Possible?
What This Means for Patients
Confusion arises when total theatre time and active intraocular time are conflated. Workflows such as 4-Minute Phaco™, developed by Mfazo Hove at Blue Fin Vision®, refer specifically to active intraocular time in selected routine cases, while total theatre time remains consistent with recognised safety standards.
