Cataract removal surgery

Cataracts are very common, particularly among older people. It's no surprise, therefore, that surgery to remove them is the most common operation performed in the UK, with more than 300,000 procedures carried out each year according to clinical sources.

If you have cataracts you will usually have blurred, cloudy or misty vision. This happens because light cannot pass through the clouded lens to the back of the eye. Or you may see small spots or patches where your vision is less clear. Other symptoms might include double vision or finding it unpleasant to look at bright lights because of the amount of glare.

Our eyesight is fundamental to both our ability to function and for enjoying life's pleasures - such as reading or watching television. It is frustrating to lose the ability to do these activities and have our enjoyment of life curtailed.

Surgery is the only proven effective treatment for cataracts.

According to guidance issued by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, cataract surgery improves vision and is also associated with improvements in activity, anxiety, depression, confidence and quality of life.

One of our highly trained consultant ophthalmologists will be able to offer you an initial consultation within a few days of contacting us. If you decide to book your cataract surgery with us you'll be able to book an operation at a time and place that suits you.

This will usually involve a 20-45 minute procedure carried out after you have had anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye surface. Your surgeon will replace the faulty lens with a new one.

While the NHS offers excellent eye care, some local NHS commissioners are limiting surgery to those who have particularly severe symptoms and waiting lists are long.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

We understand that undergoing surgery might cause you anxiety and worry - even if cataract removal is the most common surgical procedure in the UK. Our experienced and caring clinical staff will be there with you every step of the way. As well as making it our priority to deliver excellent care and treatment, they’ll answer your questions and provide reassurance if you are worried at any stage.

This procedure usually takes around 20-45 minutes.

You'll be given two sets of eye drops before your treatment begins. The first will dilate or widen your pupils. This makes it easier for the surgeon to see the lens in your eye. The second will provide a local anaesthetic to your eye, ensuring the outer surface is numb. In some cases, the surgeon will inject a local anaesthetic around the eye instead.

You may be aware of light and movement while you are being treated but will not feel any pain.

Your surgeon will make a tiny cut on the surface of your eye and use ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens. After removing the fragments with a fine tube, your surgeon will insert an artificial lens.

Occasionally, it might be necessary to make a slightly larger incision in the eye to replace the affected lens. This cut might need to be closed with tiny stitches and these are removed a few weeks later.

You will usually be able to go home on the same day as your treatment: however you'll need someone to accompany you as your vision will be impaired following the procedure. Your eye will be covered with a protective pad and shield at the end of your treatment. You're likely to need them for at least a day and your surgeon might advise you to keep the shield on at night for a week or two. This is to prevent you rubbing or pushing your eye when you are asleep.

Pain relief

Your eye may ache for 10-14 days. It will also itch or feel sticky for a few days. We will also give you drops to use for the next four weeks to help the eye heal and prevent infection. Your nurse will show you how to put these in and give you advice about caring for your eye. You may find it helpful to wear sunglasses or a hat when you leave the hospital as your eye may be sensitive to the sunlight.

Recovery time

Before leaving hospital we may give you a date for a follow-up appointment with your surgeon.

Try not to touch or rub your eye.

You will have blurred vision for a few days. As long as you don't mind blurry vision while your eye adjusts to its new lens or you have glasses fitted, you can read and watch television almost immediately.

How soon you can return to work depends on the nature of the job. Many people are back at work after a few days but if your job involves strenuous activities or potential exposure to liquid or dust that could get in your eye you may need a few weeks off.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) cautions that you must be able to read a number plate 20 metres away with both eyes open. Up to 90% of people who have surgery for cataracts will eventually have a good enough level of vision to start driving again. Your surgeon will give you advice about when you can resume driving if you have no other eye condition.

End result

You should be enjoying a much clearer view of the world as soon as the side-effects clear 10-14 days after your operation.

How your loved ones can help

Depending on the sight in your other eye you might need some help for a few days with routine tasks such as shopping and you won't be able to drive.

After you leave hospital

You'll have an appointment to see your consultant again two to six weeks after the operation. On rare occasions, complications can occur after eye lens surgery. If you experience any of these symptoms - severe pain, have loss of vision or increasing redness of the eye, you should contact the hospital immediately for advice. Don’t hesitate to call us.

We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.

If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, we're here to help.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

A fixed price for this treatment may be available on enquiry and following an initial consultation.

You can trust Spire Bristol Hospital to provide you with a single, fixed price (1) so there are no surprises. And, through our carefully chosen partner (2) you can even be considered for interest free finance.

We’re here to help you with making these important choices, so you’re then free to concentrate on your treatment and on getting back to being you.

(1) Important: Please read Spire’s terms and conditions for full details of what’s included and excluded in your fixed price* when paying for yourself.

(2) Zebra Finance Ltd trading as Zebra Health Finance , Lincoln House, Stephensons Way, Wyvern Business Park, Derby, DE21 6LY.