Laser Vision

Cataract Surgery FAQs

Cataract Surgery FAQs

One of the earliest signs of a cataract may be a changing prescription. Early lens changes or opacities may not disturb vision, but as the lens continues to become more cloudy, symptoms including blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare, increased nearsightedness or distorted images may develop.

Cataract Surgery is one of the safest, most commonly performed procedures worldwide and is used to correct the effects above. The procedure consists of the removal of the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it carefully with an intra-ocular lens (IOL). The standard IOL’s used for NHS patients will generally compensate for any impairment caused by the cataract, but patients generally need reading glasses for small print etc. Available privately are many other IOL’s to choose from. Each has their own characteristics and your choice of lens will have a huge impact on whether glasses will be required after surgery or not. To find out more about cataracts and intra-ocular lens options visit our Cataract Surgery page. The procedure is performed thousands of times a day and most patients experience little to no pain and return to normal life the day after surgery!

Cataract FAQs

What do I need to do for my pre-operative consultation?

If you use soft contact lenses you must refrain from wearing them for one week before your consultation; if you use rigid gas permeable lenses please stop wearing them for 4 weeks before your consultation. You should arrange not to drive to and from your consultation as the drops used will blur your vision slightly. Make sure that you know any prescription medications that you are taking so you can let your surgeon know in your consultation.

How do I choose what intra-ocular lens is best for me?

There are many different factors that will affect which intra-ocular lens is right for you. The best way to start to make the decision is to ask yourself the following questions

• Are you short-sighted or long-sighted?
• Do you have any astigmatism?
• How do you feel about continuing to wear glasses or contact lenses after your cataract surgery?
• Would you prefer not to need glasses or contacts after surgery?
• How important is good night vision to your lifestyle?
• In general, how well do you adjust to changes and learning new skills?
• What activities or tasks are necessary for your daily life and for your job?
• What hobbies do you currently enjoy or would like to engage in most often?
• During which activities would you find glasses the most inconvenient or aggravating?

Which intra-ocular lens is used will vary for each person and there is no ‘one size fits all’ option. It all depends on your eyes, your lifestyle and whether you wish to use glasses or not after surgery. A surgeon led team will help you choose the right lens for you following an in-depth consultation and explain what you can expect to achieve from each one.

How safe are the implants?

The development of the intra-ocular lens was the single most important development in the field of Ophthalmology and Optometry over the last century. The refinement in lens design, materials, and manufacture since the 1940s is one of the great medical success stories. Implants used since 1990 are extremely safe, reliable and effective.

What is the recovery period?

The pupil can take up to 48 hours to return back to its normal size after surgery. Some patients experience some unusual light phenomena early on but these often settle down within a short period of time. Your recovery time completely depends on your eyes but most people will go back to normal life the day after surgery. 95% of patients are legal to drive the day afterwards but be sure to check that you can clearly read a number plate from 25 years away before driving. If your eyes are not too sensitive to lights you can start reading and watching TV immediately afterwards.

What are the risks?

Data shows a complication rate lower than 0.5% with 99.5% of patients having an excellent postoperative course and an excellent visual result. Infection occurs in less than 1 in 5000 cases and retinal detachment occurs in less than 1 in 3000 cases. Some complications include corneal decompensation, persistent macular oedema, implant instability, power calculation errors and glaucoma although all of these problematic cases add up to less than 0.5%. It is extremely rare for patients to end up worse than they started.

Will I need to use eye drops after the surgery?

Yes – these are normally used up to four weeks after the procedure. Full instructions are given on the day of surgery.

What can I expect during the surgery?

The area around your eye will then be washed and cleansed and a sterile cover (“drape”) will be placed over your eye and face to create a sterile environment. The cover will be lifted off your mouth so you can breathe and talk easily. The operation is painless and lasts less than 10 minutes in most cases.  The technology used is called phaco-emulsification and employs ultrasound energy to liquefy the lens which can then be aspirated. A new lens is then inserted using an injection system and is unfolded and positioned within the eye. We typically do not use stitches during surgery which allows for a faster recovery.

Overall cataract surgery is an incredibly common procedure and delivers life-changing benefits. Surgeons all across the country will have performed it thousands of times each. So relax and look forward to your new and improved eyesight.

To arrange your consultation and begin your journey to visual clarity get in touch with us now.

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Colin D. profile picture
Colin D.
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I was initially going to write a brief review, but thought it might be beneficial to anyone considering using LaserVision Prema, if I gave a more detailed account of my personal experience? After 10 years of my eyesight gradually deteriorating due to age, wearing glasses became a necessity for all distances, which constantly frustrated me after having had perfect vision for most of my life. I'd heard of lens replacement surgery, so looked deeper into it and due to their positive reviews, settled on LaserVision Prema for an initial consultation to discuss options. From the outset, the experience has been amazing. The staff are friendly, making patients feel very welcome and at ease, there's no pressure to agree to have anything done and any concerns you have will be addressed, including any negative points you may need to consider? During the initial consultation, my eyes were thoroughly examined using a variety of methods and equipment, which gave me confidence the results would be accurate. Following this, I met with Rakesh, who performs the operations, to discuss the different options available based on the results. Fortunately, my eyes were suitable for any of the procedures. Rakesh took the time to make sure I knew exactly what the pros and cons of each lens type were, he also ensured I was aware that although my vision would likely be much better, nothing available at the present time will give me perfect sight back? In the end, I decided to opt for lenses which would improve vision at all distances. On the day of the operation, staff do everything to relax patients, and nothing feels rushed. The whole experience was easy and completely painless, taking approximately 15-20 minutes per eye. Throughout the procedure Rakesh will ensure you're fine. Although you can see enough to walk immediately afterwards, your vision is initially very much reduced, so you won't be able to drive. I'd booked a room in the Travelodge opposite in case I wasn't able to travel after the operation and walked to it without assistance. LaserVision Prema provide you with various eye drops, required to be used several times a day for a couple of months to ensure your eyes properly heal. I used these as prescribed and didn't experience any problems. As the day went on my vision started slowly improving, to the point where I could watch a film on my iPad, without it being too blurry. Later in the evening, I looked out the window and was immediately aware of a massive improvement to my distance vision, being able to see things clearly at distances I previously would have needed glasses for. The only discomfort in the entire process was in the evening after I'd had the operation, my eyes felt like they were gritty and began to water for two or three hours. Although it was quite annoying and noticeable, it was manageable. After a few hours my eyes stopped watering and the grittiness was at the point where I no longer thought about it. Rakesh called me late in the evening, in his own time, to ask how I was getting on and make sure I was ok? This is the level of care LaserVision provide. The morning after the operation, the improvement to my near, intermediate and far distance sight was incredible. This was done in December 2025 and since then, I haven't needed to ever wear glasses again for anything, at any distance - I don't even own a pair now! To give an idea, I can read unaided N4 size words on a reading chart. As Rakesh pointed out, it hasn't given me totally pin sharp eyesight back, but it really isn't far off and seven months later, I'm still amazed at what LaserVision Prema was able to achieve. The operation itself isn't the end of the process, you will also receive an aftercare service of follow up visits to check everything is as expected and to ensure you are happy with your progress. As mentioned, the results in how much your eyesight can be improved differs from person to person. This review is purely to highlight how impressed I am with LaserVision Prema, their professionalism and level of care provided to patients.
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Fab Smith profile picture
Fab Smith
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Tim Ford literally gave me my vision back — life-changing care! For years I’ve struggled with contact lenses, feeling frustrated and limited by my keratoconus. But from the moment I met Tim Ford, everything changed. He didn’t rush; he truly listened to my challenges, understood exactly what I’d been going through, and carefully created a personalised plan that finally works for me. His expertise, patience, and kindness are incredible — he didn’t just treat my eyes, he cared about restoring my quality of life. I can’t believe the difference; it feels like he has truly given me my vision back. If you’re looking for an optometrist who goes above and beyond, especially for complex eye health, Tim is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for everything! 🙏✨
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Nigel Steward
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Excellent professional care.
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Darren Toomer profile picture
Darren Toomer
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I have been delighted with the level of care provided by Rakesh and his team during my eye lens replacement surgery. The results of the surgery have been nothing less than life-changing. I shall always remain extremely grateful to the gift of 20:20 sight given to me.
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Peter Dixon profile picture
Peter Dixon
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Excellent, could not have asked for more.
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ros summers profile picture
ros summers
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Excellent service, very friendly approachable staff. My eye condition was identified quickly & medication prescribed. So pleased I decided to book my initial appointment. Highly recommended
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Janey Power profile picture
Janey Power
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Absolutely incredible service so far. The most attentive staff that greet me by name and make me feel so valued. My Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Rakesh Jayaswal has made everything understandable and couldn’t be a nicer, more relatable gentleman than he is. The professionalism from all staff especially Vicky, Tracey, Jane and Rakesh, has made me feel so secure and I know I’m in safe hands. The lens replacement surgery was a bit strange but painless and over quickly. Now just looking forward to my recovery. My sincere thanks to all involved . It is now 5 months post surgery and I cannot believe the quality of the aftercare that I have received from Vicky and Rakesh. My biggest concern was that after paying for surgery, I would just be left then to get on with things but they have seen me regularly and given me the most incredible service. Nothing was too much trouble and they have checked and checked my vision every step of the way. I have been made to feel like an important guest and their warmth and concern has made me feel so special. For anyone considering Prema, please take my word for the most incredible experience and I can read, see and do jigsaws with NO GLASSES. Words are not enough to thank them for what they have given me. 5 stars are not enough!!!
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Alison Philp profile picture
Alison Philp
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Caring, empathetic staff with a lovely atmosphere in the clinic. The time taken to make sure I was happy with the treatment was never rushed & the whole procedure was so much more relaxed than I would have thought possible. Amazing.
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Robert James profile picture
Robert James
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Very well looked after by Mr Tapper at his Nuffield Woking clinic today, following a capsulotomy by him 6 weeks ago. I now have greatly improved vision in the affected eye. The LaserVision support team are also excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend this clinic to others.
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Lynette Marshall profile picture
Lynette Marshall
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If you are nervous about eye surgery, I highly recommend LaserVision Prema in Portsmouth. They looked after me so well from start to finish. Mr. Rakesh Jayaswal is a true gentleman whose calm manner and precision made me feel completely comfortable. The team is professional, kind, and happy to answer any questions. A five-star experience!
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