Surgery is the only effective method to treat cataracts nowadays. It is widely regarded as safe and reliable. In fact, it is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the world. During the operation, the natural clouded lens is permanently replaced with a very small artificial lens – a so-called intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is well-established and constantly evolving with new technology: for example, new types of intraocular lenses, and more precise devices for diagnosis and imaging.

Cataract removal has very good and sustainable results. Most people’s sight improves soon after surgery. However, as with each surgical procedure, you should keep a few things in mind. Read through the following sections to learn more about the process of cataract surgery and what happens during each step of the procedure.

What happens during treatment

Cataract surgery has proven to be a safe and effective treatment method for many years. As the most common surgical procedure in the world, it is a routine treatment usually performed on an out-patient basis.¹ It takes typically between 15 to 30 minutes. The surgery is performed on one eye at a time. The second eye if also affected by cataract is usually treated a few days to a few weeks later. ²

Here is a step-by-step guide to everything that occurs before and during the process: from preparations at home to walking out of the operating room.

On the day of your operation, there are few things you should keep in mind:

• Do not wear any lotion, make-up, after-shave, or perfume.
  
• Wear normal and relaxing clothes.
  
• Eat a light meal no later than five hours before the procedure and stay hydrated to ensure a stable circulation for the procedure.
  
• Arrange for transportation afterwards.

You will be brought into the operation room lying on a surgical bed during your appointment. The procedure generally does not require sutures, which aids a quicker recovery. You will be allowed to go home after a short observation period.

What to expect after cataract surgery

The recovery after cataract surgery is relatively short – it can take a few days, but also up to one month. It really depends on the patient. You will immediately notice a significant vision improvement following the operation. However, you may also experience blurriness and feel discomfort. It can take a few days for the eye to adjust and vision to improve.  
For an optimal recovery, follow your doctor's detailed instructions about how to protect your eye after the procedure, and go to your follow-up exams.

First Steps After Surgery

Make sure to follow these instructions after your operation:

• Get someone to drive you home afterwards.
• Try to take a long nap after to keep your eyes closed and rested.
• Resist the urge to rub your eyes if they feel itchy.
• If you are feeling any discomfort or slight pain, ask your doctor for eye drops or an over-the-counter mild pain reliever.
• Explain your symptoms to your doctor during the follow-up visit.

After the follow-up examinations, you only need to go to your ophthalmologist for periodic check-ups, just like before your surgery.

If you need cataract surgery in both eyes, your surgeon will usually wait at least a few days, or even up to two weeks, for your first eye to recover before performing the procedure on the second eye. If correcting glasses are still needed after the surgery, they should be prescribed only four to six weeks after the surgery.

Inform your doctor if you experience:

• a strong pain in your eye
• a re-appearing redness in your eye
• unusual headache or nausea
• considerable vision deterioration
• light flashes, or huge increase of floaters in your vision

Potential risks and side effects

Surgery is a proven and established procedure and considered to be safe and less stressful for the body. Most patients decide to undergo cataract surgery for the following reasons:

• Improved vision.
• Increased mobility and independence.
• Relief from the fear of going blind.

Like all surgeries, however, it is not completely free of risks and side effects. Your ophthalmologist can explain all the possible risks and decide whether you are eligible for cataract surgery.

After cataract surgery, there is a risk of infection, and you may need to take eye drops for treatment. Please see an ophthalmologist if you experience excessive swelling or any other undesirable effects. Other potential complications are minor and may include:

• Swelling.
• Increased pressure in the eye.
• Droopy eyelid.

Minor complications usually clear up with medication and more healing time. Be sure to report any change to your ophthalmologist immediately. He or she can monitor the healing process and see if you need any medication.

A posterior capsule opacity (PCO) is one of the most common cataract surgery complications. It is a result of the growth and proliferation of lens epithelial cells on the capsule during surgery. These cells can migrate to the posterior capsule, where they approach the visual axis, and may cause a dimness of vision. Although some people call PCO a “secondary cataract,” it isn’t. Once a cataract is removed, it does not come back.

Fortunately, a PCO can easily be treated with a YAG laser (a special type of laser using a YAG-crystal and commonly applied in the medicine). Your ophthalmologist can perform this procedure in his practice. It is very effective, painless and takes only a few minutes.

Most people can expect their vision to improve within a day. If you are struggling with continuous bad vision after your IOL operation, contact your ophthalmologist to discuss the next possible steps together.

What role should the price play?

If you’re considering correcting your vision, please keep in mind that there is no standard price for cataract surgery. The prices may differ considerably depending on different factors. While you might find the prices daunting at first, remember this is most likely a one-time investment in your vision and more importantly, it is probably covered by your health insurance.

Whether your health insurance covers the costs of your cataract surgery varies on the individual provider, country or regional system. Often, basic cataract surgery is considered necessary from a medical point of view and is therefore covered by healthcare plans.

Speak with your doctor and health insurance company to weigh your options. Some doctors also offer a payment plan to make cataract surgery more affordable.

Everyone ranks what they find important regarding cataract surgery differently. Some patients prefer clinics that are nearby, others prioritize an earlier date. Many patients however, consider and search for the factors below when looking for a clinic:

• Specialty: The focus of the clinic and the specific qualifications and training of the surgeon.
• Experience: The total number of operations performed.
• Availability: The option of meeting a potential doctor at your consultations, immediately before surgery and his or her flexibility (e.g. appointments in the evening if you are employed).
• Offerings: Which types of intraocular lenses are offered and if you can find one that is right for you.
• Relationship: Whether you feel comfortable with the doctor and the answers you get to your questions.
• Price: Whether it includes pre- and post-treatment care and to what extent.
• Recommendations: Whether the clinic has good reviews and is recommended by doctors or patients.
• Location: The distance from the place you live may increase the general costs by additional travel and hotel expenses. Depending on the region or country you live, the health care insurance pays completely or a part of the treatment.