The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Cataract surgery
PHAKOEMULSIFICATION
Cataract surgery can restore normal vision by replacing the clouded lens in your eye with an artificial one
Surgery for a cateract
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye, which can make your vision blurred or misty. You can develop cataracts in one or both of your eyes.
A surgical procedure can remove and replace the lens affected by cataracts to improve vision. In most cases a cataract procedure is conducted on one eye at a time.
Need to know
Before the procedure, your surgeon will put drops in your eye to widen your pupil and relax the muscles in your eye. Local anaesthetic drops are then applied to numb your eye and block pain during surgery.
To start the surgery your surgeon will make microscopic cuts on the surface of your eye. Using a specialised instrument that emits ultrasonic waves, they will break up the lens affected by the cataract into tiny pieces and remove it. The natural lens is then replaced by an artificial one, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye.
To start the surgery your surgeon will make microscopic cuts on the surface of your eye. Using a specialised instrument that emits ultrasonic waves, they will break up the lens affected by the cataract into tiny pieces and remove it. The natural lens is then replaced by an artificial one, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You might need to have an assessment before your surgery to measure your eyes. This will help your consultant to select the artificial lens that is best for you.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You should be able to go home the same day with any pain or discomfort only lasting for a day or two. Your consultant may give you some eye drops to reduce any swelling or inflammation in your eye.
Most people who have cataract surgery find that their sight has improved immediately. However, your vision may still be blurred until your eye has fully healed. This can take from two to six weeks. You may need to wear reading glasses after cataract surgery.
Most people who have cataract surgery find that their sight has improved immediately. However, your vision may still be blurred until your eye has fully healed. This can take from two to six weeks. You may need to wear reading glasses after cataract surgery.
Paying for medical treatment
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Our Cataract surgery locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.