Cataract Surgery

By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Akif Ozdamar, on Sep 15, 2024

Cataract symptoms include: 

• Corneal pannus 
• Glaucoma surgery 
• Keratoconus 
• Tiny pupils

How Long Should You Stay In The Hospital After The Surgery? 

An overnight stay is not required.

How Long Will The Surgery Take?

30 to 45 minutes.

How Many Days Should I Travel/Stay Abroad To Do The Treatment?

2 to 3 days.

How To Prepare For The Procedure? 

Patients need to have a detailed eye examination before undergoing cataract surgery. In some cases, cataract surgery may not be required if the patient has satisfactory functional vision, and/or other procedures may be required before the cataract surgery option.

How Is The Procedure Performed? 

Cataract eye surgery or cataract surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. The eye is numbed with an injection or by using anesthetic eye drops. 

During cataract surgery, a cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. The eye doctor first creates two incisions into the clear cornea of the patient. A circular hole is then created into the capsule where the artificial lens is located.

At this point, ultrasound waves may be used to liquefy the lens, after which it is removed. The soft outer layer of the cataract is also removed. Saline solution is inserted into the front part of the eye to help it maintain its shape. A plastic lens is then inserted into the eye where the natural lens used to be.

The eye doctor may also inject antibiotics in that area in order to prevent any risk of infections.

Lens Replacement Recovery Timeline

The cataract surgery recovery time is usually quite short. Patients can leave the hospital in one or two days. Heavy physical activities and lifting need to be avoided for around 4 weeks after the cataract surgery. Doctors recommend wearing an eye shield, especially while sleeping for a few days after the procedure.

You need to follow the doctor's instructions to experience a comfortable recovery.

Cataract Surgery Complications

Cataract surgery complications and risks include: 

• Infection 
• Retinal detachment 
• Endophthalmitis 
• Glaucoma 
• Bleeding in the eye 
• Damage to other parts of your eye
• Loss of vision 
• Secondary cataract

Cataract surgery side effects include: 

• Inflammation in the eye’s region 
• Itchiness in the eye’s region 
• Swelling 
• Pain and discomfort 
• Dry eyes
• Double vision
• High or low eye pressure

Cataract Treatment Sucess Rate

Cataract surgery studies and reviews determine the average success rate between 85% and 92%. In general, approximately 95% of patients are satisfied with the results of this procedure.

Patients may still require glasses on certain occasions, even after cataract surgery. If the patient has a cataract in both eyes, two surgeries need to be performed at an interval of around 2 months. Patients can drive 24 hours after cataract surgery.

After the procedure, patients usually experience improved vision and increased mobility. Although eyes are highly sensitive organs, cataract surgery is not a painful procedure. No pain is felt during the operation due to anesthesia, and mild to moderate pain after surgery can be easily relieved with prescription drugs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are the Chances of Developing Complications from Cataract Surgery?

The risk of endophthalmitis is less than 1 in 1000. Other risks are well under 10%. 

How Old Does A Child Have to Be in Order to Be Treated? 

It's a case of "the sooner, the better." Children who have congenital cataracts should have cataract eye surgery when they are between 6 weeks and 3 months. 

How Much Will It Improve My Sight?

Approximately 90% of cataract surgery patients have a vision of 20/40 or better after the procedure.