The eye has a crystalline transparent lens more or less similar to the lens of a camera which focuses one third of the light on the retina. This is the sensitive film of the eye which transmits the image for the brain to process so that we can see it.

A cataract is a clouding of this crystalline lens most commonly due to age, however it can be caused by trauma, prolonged use of steroids (as topical eye drops or systemically), some systemic diseases such as diabetes or even as a congenital birth defect.

In the early stages of developing a cataract, patients often complain of reduced vision (especially at night), some glare while driving or inability to read.

Cataract is usually very slowly progressive and can take a long time to affect vision.

When the cataract is severe enough to interfere with vision, surgery can be performed to improve vision

Led by your personally assigned cataract doctor, our clinical team will perform a thorough evaluation of your cataract. This will include a comprehensive eye examination which includes biometry, corneal topography, endothelial cell count, macula OCT and intraocular pressure.

An optometrist will assess your vision and spectacle prescription in order to determine the type of postoperative vision that will suit you

Our focus with laser cataract surgery is to achieve complete satisfaction. All of our patients are treated until discharge, remaining in our care upon leaving the hospital.

Aftercare plans include a complimentary follow-up assessment with your consultant ophthalmologist and optometrist, and patients are positively encouraged to get in touch should problems arise. Our success has been dependent on personalised patient care and we believe this is paramount. All patients will see their cataract surgeon at each visit, as they are personally responsible for your care, so you can feel safe in the knowledge that you are receiving the best possible standard of care.

Thanks to modern technology, a variety of refractive lenses are available for laser cataract surgery patients. Each lens has been developed to tackle ocular impairments in different ways, which means a wider range of cataract-related issues can be treated with cataract eye surgery.

Mono-Focal Intra-Ocular Lens

Mono-focal lenses, often referred to as the standard option, were the first type of lens developed for cataract surgery.

This lens provides fantastic vision at one distance (mid-range) but not clear vision at all distances; this option means you will still need to wear glasses for near and distant vision.

Mono-focal Lenses are an excellent choice if you don’t mind wearing glasses or contact lenses, or, if you do not have astigmatism (or are willing to address your astigmatism through future laser surgery procedures).

IC-8 Lens

IC-8 lenses take a clear artificial lens and add a mini-ring in the centre. This creates a pinhole effect that funnels light through the centre so only focused light rays enter your eyes, extending your natural range of vision (near to far).

Designed to restore your everyday vision, this lens improves your eyesight for far vision, computer and reading, as well as frees you from the constant need for glasses.

After a full eye examination, our doctors will determine whether the IC-8 lens is a suitable option for your needs.

Accommodative Intra-Ocular Lens

Accommodative lenses move in response to your eye muscles, mimicking the reactions of a natural lens. This type of intra-ocular lens provides fantastic far-to-mid vision and functional near vision.

This is an ideal choice for patients who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts and who are willing to tackle their astigmatism with additional surgeries at a later date.

Candidates for this lens are those who wish for strong distant and intermediate vision. Patients require a full examination to determine their suitability for this treatment. Our vision correction specialists will provide you with the essential information so you can make an informed decision.

Multi-Focal Intra-Ocular Lens

Multi-focal intraocular lenses help restore near, far, and mid-range vision all in one. These lenses increase your chances of living a glasses-free life, but this is not guaranteed.

This lens is an ideal choice for candidates who want to reduce their dependency on glasses, and if they have astigmatism, they are happy to address it at a later date with additional surgeries like LASIK.

There are a range of multi-focal intra-ocular lenses available at LaserVision. Discover each one in detail, or, book a full consultation to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for this particular treatment.

Extended Depth of Focus Lens

Extended depth-of-focus lenses differ from multi-focal lenses in that they work to create a single elongated focal point within the range of vision.

The construction of the lens bends light entering the eyes from intermediate and far distances to a focal point on the retina. This allows you to accurately focus on objects while maintaining fantastic mid- to far vision all through one lens.

Toric Intra-Ocular Lens

Toric refractive lenses are specialised mono-focal lenses that are often the best choice for patients with cataracts and astigmatism.

After treatment, it is likely that you will still need reading glasses; however, your vision will be restored to distance sight. If your astigmatism is too strong, your doctor may recommend an additional procedure to help ensure your vision is effectively corrected.

In preparation for cataract surgery, you may be required to take a few steps to help ensure your eye surgery procedure runs smoothly.

Medical History

Your doctor will require you to provide a detailed breakdown of your medical history. This information allows doctors to identify if any of your medication may cause issues during surgery, so you know whether you should or should not temporarily stop taking it before treatment.

Please note that medical advice before treatment is subjective to your individual case. Please do not take medical advice from anyone other than your appointed doctor regarding cataract surgery.

Eye Measurements

A week before your cataract surgery, a pain-free test will be taken to measure the size and shape of your eye. This will determine the right size lens for your individual eye shape.

There are several types of Intra-Ocular Lenses (IOCLs) available, each having their own strength and purpose. Your choice of lens is crucial and will have a major influence on the outcome of surgery.

Helping you understand and decide on the right Intra-Ocular Lens is a key part of our service at Laser Vision. We ensure you know the options in detail and will guide you on the best treatment.

Food and Drink Consumption

During your consultation, your doctor may ask that you not eat or drink for 12 hours before cataract surgery.

Antibiotic Eye Drops

Antibiotic eyedrops may be prescribed to you 1-2 days before cataract surgery to help prepare your eyes for treatment.

All medical advice should be provided in your personal consultation with one of our qualified doctors.

Your cataract surgical procedure will be performed by the same consultant ophthalmologist who assessed your eyes at the initial consultation. A team of nurses will also be present to assist and provide any support that you require. Following the admission process, you will be taken to theatre, where you will be given a comfy chair. The team will then perform their routine safety checks, confirming a few specific details.

Once the team has signed off the necessary checklist, the chair will be reclined into the correct position for surgery and we will ensure you are comfortable. 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. 

You will see little of what is happening during surgery, but we will explain what we are doing as the operation goes along should you wish to know. The theatre staff will make sure you are comfortable and will help you relax. Someone will be there to hold your hand if you wish.

To make this a painless procedure, anaesthetic eye drops are used in conjunction with a mild sedative if required. Some patients, however, may experience a gentle pressure during surgery.

After the operation you will be taken to the recovery room, and then back to your private room. Whilst resting after the operation, you will be offered refreshments. You will need to allow 3-4 hours for your hospital stay so that we can run through your treatment and aftercare with you.

You will need someone to collect you or we can arrange transport. You may leave the hospital when you feel ready. After the anaesthetic wears off, about one to two hours after the operation, the eye may water and may feel a little gritty. This is nothing to worry about and your normal headache tablets should settle any discomfort. By the next day the eye will feel much better.

As the pupil is dilated during surgery, it may take up to 48 hours to return to its normal size. It is not uncommon for patients to experience some unusual light phenomena early on and blurry vision but this often settles within a short period of time. If the light glare is not too bright or eyes too blurry, you can start reading and watching TV immediately.

Most patients recognise a significant visual improvement immediately after surgery and although over 95% of patients will be legal to drive the next day, we would only advise this if they feel comfortable and are able to read a number plate from 25 yards away. The eyesight vision continues to improve for about one week. If you want or need glasses they can be prescribed anytime after the first or second week.

You will be given a set of eye drops that vastly reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. These generally last for the first 4 weeks but some patients may require lubrication drops for the first few months. A follow-up appointment with your consultant and optometrist will be scheduled for a week after your surgery.

It might be a few weeks before you can start to use cosmetics around your eyes again, and you may have to wait several weeks before resuming strenuous contact sports or swimming. Driving can be resumed as soon as you feel comfortable and confident. It is considered safe for you to do so as long as you can read a standard car number plate in daylight from 20 metres away (about three car lengths).

Your return to work very much depends upon the nature of your job. If you are office-based, then you should be comfortable enough to return to work within a few days. If you work in a dirty or dusty environment, then it may be longer before you can safely return.

Although complications are rare, it should be noted that cataract surgery is a surgical procedure, and no procedure is risk-free. However steps are taken throughout the process to keep any risks to a minimum.

Approximately 340,000 cataract eye surgeries are performed in the UK each year and as many as 10 million worldwide. Naturally, with that many procedures there will be reports of almost every possible complication.

Our data shows a complication rate lower than 0.5% with 99.5% 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. Other complications include corneal decompensation, persistent macular oedema, implant instability, power calculation errors, and glaucoma. All of these problematic cases add up to less than one half percent. In almost all of these cases further surgery, additional medications, or additional time results in recovery and a net improvement in vision.

It is extremely rare for patients to end up worse than they started.