Why is cataract surgery performed?

A cataract is an eye condition where the lens of your one or both of your eyes becomes cloudy.

Cataracts can make your sight become blurry. If you have cataracts, you may also:

• be sensitive to bright lights
• see everything as slightly faded or yellow

Cataracts will not get better on their own. The treatment for cataracts is surgery on your affected eye.

What are the benefits of cataract surgery

Cataract removal is one of the most common and successful surgeries in Australia. The eye surgeon removes the cloudy lens from your eye. Then they replace it with an artificial plastic lens called an intraocular lens.

Cataracts cannot come back in your treated eye.

The artificial lens is made to suit your eyes. In fact, you should see clearly just a few hours after the surgery.

How to prepare for cataract surgery

Before surgery you will need to have some tests, including an eye test so that your replacement lens can be made to the correct strength. You may also need a blood test and heart check.

Your doctor will tell you if there is anything else that you need to do before your operation. You can find out more about preparing for the operation here.

Who does cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist (specialist eye doctor). Your doctor or optometrist can help you to find the right health professional for cataract treatment.

What happens during cataract surgery?

On the day of the surgery, you will be given eye drops that include an antibiotic. You might be given an injection around your eye or eye drops to make the eye go numb. Most people have a local anaesthetic and light sedation.

During the procedure you will be asked to lie on your back. The doctor will make a small cut in your eye. This lets them remove your cloudy lens and insert the plastic lens. The operation usually takes less than 30 minutes.

There will always be medical staff to talk to during the procedure. If you have any problems, you should tell one of the staff.

Watch this animated video on how cataract surgery is done:

What to expect after cataract surgery

Your doctor will place a pad over your eye that was operated on.

You will also be given eye drops to use at home. Make sure you understand how to use them and how long you need to use them for.

You might have some pain or discomfort in that eye. Tell a nurse or doctor so they can give you some pain relief medicine.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight stay in hospital. You will need someone to take you home after cataract surgery. You should not drive until your vision has returned to normal.

For a few weeks after the operation, you will need to avoid rubbing your eye. Ask your doctor when you can go back to your usual activities.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, they will usually be treated on separate days — maybe weeks apart.

What are the risks of having cataract surgery?

Problems with cataract surgery are uncommon. Some people have bleeding, an infection or damage to their eye.

If you notice any of the following, contact your eye specialist or go to the emergency department:

• your eye becoming red and painful
• fluid coming from your eye
• your sight getting worse

Are there alternatives to cataract surgery?

During the early stages of cataracts, you may find that new glasses, improved lighting or other visual aids help.

If your cataracts start to make everyday activities difficult, surgery is the best treatment.

Resources and support

Find information about treatment of cataracts at Vision Australia. You can also find translated information about cataracts on the Vision Australia site.

You can call the healthdirect helpline for advice on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.