Cataract surgery Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about cataract surgery
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Will I be able to see or feel anything happening in the operation?
- How long does an intraocular lens last for?
- What if I'm unable to use the eye drops after surgery?
- How soon after surgery can I swim?
- What is the difference between the types of lenses used for cataract surgery?
Will I be able to see or feel anything happening in the operation?
You will see and feel very little during the operation.
Explanation
The bright lights of the microscope used for the operation, and the fact that the instruments used are very fine, mean that you will not really be able to see what is happening during your operation. You may vaguely see movement, but will not be able to make out any of the detail. Your eye that is not being operated on will be covered.
The local anaesthetic that you will have in your eye should stop you from feeling any pain. The only thing you may feel is a light pressure from the instruments used in the operation and the ophthalmologist's hands.
Usually, your ophthalmologist will explain what is happening as the operation goes along, and quite often, a member of staff will be able to sit with you and hold your hand if you wish, to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.
If at any point you do feel pain or discomfort, you will be asked to signal this by either squeezing a staff member's hand or speaking (it is important not to move your head). This will indicate to the medical staff that you need more anaesthetic, which can easily be topped up.
Sources
- Understanding cataracts. Royal College of Ophthalmologists. www.rcophth.ac.uk, accessed 5 August 2008
How long does an intraocular lens last for?
Intraocular (artificial) lenses are designed to last for a lifetime.
Explanation
Intraocular (artificial) lenses are made of silicone or acrylic polymers. These are materials that don't break down over time. The lenses are designed to last a lifetime. Your lens will only have to be replaced if you experience complications, and this is very rare.
The most common complication, posterior capsular opacification (where the lens casing thickens), only requires a very minor procedure using a laser to correct your vision - not replacement of the lens.
Sources
- Cataract surgery guidelines. Royal College of Ophthalmologists, 2004. www.rcophth.ac.uk
What if I'm unable to use the eye drops after surgery?
Nursing staff at the hospital will show you how to use your eye drops. If you have trouble administering them yourself, your hospital should be able to arrange for a district nurse to assist you after you go home.
Explanation
You may need to use eye drops for up to two months following your operation.
The nursing staff at the hospital will show you how to use these before you are discharged from hospital. You may also be shown how to put your eye drops in at your pre-operative assessment, and may be given some non-medicated ones to practise using at home.
However, many people find that they still need help with administering eye drops. If a friend or relative is unable to provide you with the necessary assistance, your hospital may arrange for a district nurse to help you. This will be arranged before you leave the hospital. If you find you are having problems later it is important that you inform either your GP or hospital, so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.
Sources
- Understanding cataracts. Royal College of Ophthalmologists. www.rcophth.ac.uk, accessed 5 August 2008
- Action on cataracts - good practice guidance. NHS Executive, January 2000. www.library.nhs.uk
How soon after surgery can I swim?
This is something you check with your ophthalmologist, as this may vary from patient to patient, and opinions can also differ between surgeons.
Explanation
Most surgeons would advise waiting at least a month to six weeks until you return to swimming, to give your eye time to heal and to reduce the chance of any infection or irritation to the eye.
You will have a chance to ask your ophthalmologist or the nurses at the hospital any questions like this that you have, before and after your operation.
Sources
- Personal communication, Dr Scott Robbie, 1 September 2008
What is the difference between the types of lenses used for cataract surgery?
Multifocal and accommodating lenses are newer types of intraocular lenses used in cataract operations that reduce the need for wearing glasses.
Explanation
Until recently, the only type of artificial lens (intraocular lens) readily available was the monofocal lens. A monofocal lens has a fixed strength and is set for one level of vision - it cannot adjust to focus on objects that are close to you. This means that you will usually still need glasses after surgery for reading (or distance if you prefer life without reading glasses and decide on a lens suitable for this).
In recent years, different types of lenses have been developed that can allow for focusing in both near and distance vision. These include:
- multifocal intraocular lenses - these have areas with different focusing power, allowing you to see both near and distant objects without the need for spectacles
- accommodating intraocular lenses - these change shape within your eye, in a similar manner to the normal lens in the eye, allowing you to focus on both near and distant objects as your eye would naturally
These newer types of lens may not always be available in your area. Your ophthalmologist will be able to advise you what types of lenses are available and which ones would be most suitable for you.
Sources
- Implantation of multifocal (non-accommodative) intraocular lenses during cataract surgery. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2008. www.nice.org.uk
- Implantation of accommodating intraocular lenses during cataract surgery. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2007. www.nice.org.uk
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008
Cataract surgery factsheet
Visit the cataract surgery health factsheet for more information.
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