Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can cause blurred vision, glare and difficulty with everyday tasks such as reading and driving. Cataract surgery is a common procedure that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens), helping to restore clearer vision.

At the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we offer consultant-led assessment, treatment planning and clear guidance on what to expect before, during and after surgery.

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When cataract surgery may be recommended

Cataracts often develop gradually. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms begin to affect your quality of life, such as:

• Difficulty driving, especially at night
• Struggling to read or see screens clearly
• Increasing glare and haloes around lights
• Reduced colour contrast or “washed out” vision
• Frequent changes to your glasses prescription with limited improvement

Cataract surgery is elective in many cases, but sometimes it is advised earlier if cataracts are affecting other eye conditions or preventing proper examination or treatment.

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Symptoms of cataracts

Common symptoms include:

• Blurred or misty vision
• Glare and haloes (often worse at night)
• Light sensitivity
• Fading or yellowing of colours
• Needing brighter light to read
• Double vision in one eye (less common)
• More frequent prescription changes

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Diagnosis at Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

Your assessment will typically include:

• Consultant-led eye examination and symptom review
• Vision testing (distance and near)
• Refraction (glasses prescription check)
• Slit-lamp examination to assess the lens
• Eye pressure measurement where appropriate
• Examination of the retina (often with dilating drops)
• Measurements to plan your lens implant and optimise post-operative vision

Your consultant will discuss whether cataracts are the main cause of your symptoms and confirm the safest, most appropriate treatment plan.

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Treatment: Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is usually performed as a day case. The procedure involves:

• Using very small incisions at the front of the eye
• Breaking up and removing the cloudy lens
• Implanting a clear artificial lens to replace it

Most patients have local anaesthetic eye drops, and you remain awake but comfortable. Your consultant will advise what lens options may be suitable for you, based on your vision goals and eye health.

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What to expect on the day

You can generally expect:

• Pre-operative checks and consent
• Eye drops to prepare the eye
• The operation itself typically taking a short period of time
• A period of recovery observation before you go home
• A protective eye shield and post-operative drops

You will need someone to take you home and should not drive immediately after surgery.

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Recovery and aftercare

Recovery is usually straightforward, but vision often improves gradually.

Common early symptoms can include:

• Mild grittiness or watering
• Light sensitivity
• Mild blur that improves over days to weeks

Aftercare usually includes:

• A course of eye drops for several weeks
• Avoiding rubbing the eye
• Avoiding swimming and dusty environments for a short period (as advised)
• Taking extra care with strenuous activity until cleared by your consultant
• Follow-up as recommended

Most people return to normal activities within days, with restrictions tailored to your individual recovery and occupation.

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Risks and complications

Cataract surgery is generally very safe, but all procedures carry some risk. Your consultant will explain risks relevant to you, which can include:

• Infection or inflammation
• Raised eye pressure
• Swelling at the back of the eye (macular oedema)
• Lens positioning issues
• Retinal tear or detachment (uncommon)
• Persistent glare or visual symptoms
• Need for further treatment in some cases

If you have other eye conditions (for example, glaucoma, macular degeneration or corneal disease), your consultant will explain how these may affect expected outcomes.

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When to seek urgent help after surgery

Seek urgent advice if you experience:

• Increasing pain (rather than gradual improvement)
• Sudden worsening of vision
• Increasing redness or significant discharge
• New flashes, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision

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If you are considering cataract surgery or you’re experiencing symptoms affecting your day-to-day vision, contact Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital to arrange an assessment. There is no need to be registered with the hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers consultations, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, any costs will always be discussed.