A cataract is when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy, usually caused by ageing (see figure 1). A cataract causes blurred vision or changes the focus of your eye.

What Are the Benefits of Cataract Surgery?

Your vision should improve.

What Does the Operation Involve?

The operation is usually performed under a local anaesthetic. The operation usually takes about 20 minutes.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cataract and replacing it with an artificial lens implant.

Your surgeon will usually break the cataract into small pieces using ultrasound (sound waves) and then remove it from your eye through a small cut.

They will place the lens implant behind the iris in the same bag (or capsule) in your eye that held the natural lens in place.

What Complications Can Happen?

General Complications

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection

Specific Complications

• Tear in the bag which holds the lens in place
• Heavy bleeding inside your eye
• Clouding of the bag
• Retinal detachment
• Inflammation in your other eye
• Cornea abrasion
• Cystoid macular oedema (swelling of the retina)

A cataract is a common problem where the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudy. Cataract surgery should improve your vision.