Cataract Surgery

Cataracts refer to a condition where the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, losing its transparency and resulting in blurred or unclear vision. Left untreated, cataracts can lead to partial or complete blindness. (1)

What Is Cataract Surgery?

The definitive treatment for cataracts is surgery, during which the damaged lens is removed and replaced with a new artificial lens. The surgical approach may vary depending on the patient's condition. (1)

Cataract surgery is recommended when the condition significantly impairs vision, preventing the patient from performing daily activities like reading, driving, or exercising. (2)

Surgery steps

Cataract surgery typically takes 10–15 minutes. However, including preparation time and post-surgery observation, you should expect to spend a few hours at the hospital.

• You will receive local anesthesia, ensuring you remain awake but feel no discomfort or see the procedure.
• The surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea, which typically does not require stitches.
• The cloudy lens is broken apart and removed.
• A clear artificial lens tailored to your eye is implanted.
• Afterward, the doctor places a protective covering over the eye to aid recovery.

If cataracts are present in both eyes, the surgeries are performed separately, allowing the first eye to heal before addressing the second. (3)

Risks

Cataract surgery improves vision in approximately 97% of patients and is considered a generally safe procedure, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon. However, rare complications may include: (2)(3)  

• Swelling or bleeding in the eye.
• Persistent eye pain.
• Blurred vision or seeing halos/dark shadows.
• Displacement of the new lens.
• Clouding of the lens capsule holding the implant.
• Retinal detachment, occurring in 2 out of every 1,000 cases.
• Eye infection, affecting 1 in every 1,000 cases.

Long-Term Risks

In very rare cases, the implanted lens may develop clouding months or years after surgery. This can be corrected with a quick laser procedure, where the doctor creates a small opening in the cloudy capsule to restore clear vision. (2)

Recovery

Following the procedure, your doctor will prescribe eye drops to aid healing. Patients should avoid exposing the eye to water, soap, or other irritants.

Post-surgery instructions include: (4)

• Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the eye.
• Wear an eye shield while sleeping and protective glasses during the day.
• Consult your doctor about when you can resume activities such as driving, exercising, or visiting specific environments.

The Ophthalmology Department at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital provides comprehensive eye care services, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options, as well as performing both minor and major surgeries.

Our Services Include:

• Comprehensive Eye Exams.
• Precise Laser Vision Correction.
• Advanced Eye Surgeries.
• 24/7 Emergency Eye Care.
• Specialized Pediatric and Diabetic Eye Care.

For appointments and inquiries, click here.

References

1. National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Cataract
2. Clevelandclinicabudhabi - Cataract
3. Mayoclinic - Cataract