Cataracts cause clouding of the eye's lens, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty with night driving. Surgery is the only effective treatment when cataracts affect daily life.
Before surgery: Your ophthalmologist will measure your eye, discuss lens options (monofocal, multifocal), and advise on medications to stop. You may need to fast the night before.
The procedure is typically done under local anaesthesia and takes about 15–20 minutes. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Recovery: Most people see improvement within days. Avoid rubbing the eye, heavy lifting, and swimming for a few weeks. Use prescribed eye drops as directed.
Outcomes: Over 95% of cataract surgeries are successful. Many patients achieve 20/20 or near-20/20 vision. Discuss your goals (e.g. reading, driving) with your doctor to choose the right IOL.
Related topics
- Ophthalmology
- Eye care
- Surgery