Frequently Asked Questions

Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens inside your eye and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The most common technique is phacoemulsification , your surgeon creates a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea and uses ultrasound to break up and remove the cataract, then inserts a foldable replacement lens through the same micro-incision.

The procedure itself takes approximately 15–20 minutes per eye. Including preparation and recovery time, you should expect to be at the clinic for around 2–3 hours in total. It's performed as a day case , you go home the same day.

Yes. Cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthesia , numbing drops are applied to your eye, and you may receive a mild sedative to help you relax. You'll be awake and will experience at most mild discomfort, along with gentle pressure and movement of light. Your surgeon needs you to respond to light during the procedure so they know everything is progressing well.

The eye is completely numbed with anaesthetic drops before the procedure begins. Most patients describe feeling gentle pressure or a slight sensation of water, with at most mild discomfort. After surgery, your eye may feel slightly gritty or itchy for a few days, but this is easily managed with eye drops.

No, each eye is treated separately. Most patients have their first eye operated on, allow it to heal for 1–2 weeks, and then return for the second eye. This is standard practice to ensure the first eye is recovering well before treating the second.

Many patients notice significantly improved vision within hours of surgery. While most see a marked improvement within 3–4 days, it can take up to 4–6 weeks for your vision to fully stabilise and for the eye to heal completely.

Most patients can drive within 24–48 hours after surgery, once their consultant confirms their vision meets DVLA driving standards. This is typically assessed at your first follow-up appointment, 1–2 days after the procedure. You must not drive on the day of surgery.

Most patients with office-based jobs can return to work within 2–3 days. If your job involves heavy lifting, dusty environments, or strenuous physical activity, you may need 1–2 weeks off. Your consultant will advise based on your specific situation.

You can shower the day after surgery, but you should avoid getting water, soap, or shampoo directly into your eye for at least one week. Tilt your head back when washing your hair and be careful to avoid splashing.

Light walking is fine from the day after surgery. You should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and anything that significantly raises your heart rate for 2–3 weeks. Swimming should be avoided for 4–6 weeks, as pools, hot tubs, and open water carry bacteria that could cause infection.

Your first consultation is a comprehensive assessment where your consultant examines your eyes using advanced diagnostic equipment. They'll discuss your vision goals, explain all available lens options, and answer every question. It's a platform to understand the procedure and decide whether it's right for you , with no obligation to proceed.

You may be asked not to eat solid food for 6 hours before surgery. Continue taking your regular medications unless advised otherwise. Arrange for someone to drive you home afterwards , you won't be able to drive on the day of surgery. Wear comfortable, loose clothing.

No. Once a cataract is removed, it cannot return. However, some patients develop posterior capsule opacity (PCO) months or years later , a clouding of the membrane behind the artificial lens. This is easily and painlessly treated with a YAG laser capsulotomy, a quick outpatient procedure taking just a few minutes.