Cataract Surgery

During the early-stage of cataracts, vision may improve by updating glasses, better lighting or antiglare lenses. However, when cataracts reach the later-stage, surgery is the only treatment. Cataract surgery involves removing the affected lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. There is usually no immediate urgency in having cataract surgery done. Cataracts do not reoccur after they have been removed.

Cataract Treatment

There are no drops or medications that can treat cataracts. The only effective treatment is surgery, where the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is a quick, routine day procedure, which usually takes 15–20 minutes. Most people experience a significant improvement in vision, however pre-existing eye conditions may affect the final vision outcome.

Cataract Procedure

Before surgery, measurements of the eye are taken to select the most suitable lens. On the day, the eye is numbed, and surgery is performed under local anaesthetic with light sedation. After surgery, patients go home the same day and follow a short recovery plan. Follow-up visits occur at one day, one week, and one month to monitor healing and vision.