CATARACT

CATARACT SURGERY OVERVIEW

What is cataract surgery?
  • An inpatient operation at a day hospital facility.
  • Your surgeon is most likely to use a sutureless approach, with either standard ultrasonic (phaco-emulsification) or laser assisted with ultrasonic (femtosecond laser with phaco) techniques.
  • The ultrasonic energy dissolves the cataract into small fragments.
  • Vacuum and irrigation techniques are used to remove the fragments.
  • An artificial IntraOcular Lens (IOL) is inserted.
  • More complicated surgeries may require wound suturing.

 

What is involved in the procedure?
  • On admission, your nurse will instil pupil-dilating drops to your eye.
  • Your anaesthetist will perform either a local (needle block) or topical (eye drops) anaesthetic. A general anaesthetic is reserved for special cases.
  • You will be lightly sedated during the surgery.
  • You might still have eyelid sensation but not experience pain.
  • You may see some lights or colours and hear some sounds.
  • You should remain still during the operation
  • The surgery typically takes less than 20 minutes.
  • You will have a patch/shield on the eye to go home.
  • Follow the instructions provided for post operative care.