Cataract surgery is a straight-forward and painless procedure, which is typically done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
The surgery involves removing the cloudy lens (the cataract) and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area around the eye, so you’ll be awake but relaxed during the surgery.
Most people recover quickly and see significant improvement in their vision.
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect during your upcoming treatment on our Cataract Fast Track pathway:
Prior to attending a cataract clinic for your assessment you will have a telephone consultation with our ophthalmology pre-assessment nurse, who will obtain a detailed health assessment, assess your suitability to undergo day case cataract surgery under local anaesthetic, as well as provide you with information about the cataract assessment clinic and surgery.
The Cataract Assessment Clinic will take place at the new Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre at the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich.
On arrival, you will present yourself to the Verdin House Main Reception, which will be signposted, before being directed around to the surgical centre’s dedicated cataract assessment clinic.
During your cataract assessment you will meet our dedicated cataract team and have the opportunity to speak to a consultant ophthalmologist about your surgery.
On arrival, a clinical support worker will assess your visual acuity and undertake some non-evasive tests, including checking your blood pressure, pulse, and eye pressure.
An experienced ophthalmology nurse will carry out a measurement on your natural lens in preparation for your new artificial lens.
Following this, eye drops will be instilled into your eyes that dilate your pupil so that the consultant ophthalmologist can fully examine the health of your eye. Your vision will be blurred for up to six hours after this, so it is advisable not to drive.
The consultant may request an additional scan to further assess your retina.
Please ensure you bring a list of your current medication, your distance glasses, and your current glasses prescription if you have it.
The consultant ophthalmologist will perform a detailed eye assessment, confirm surgical intervention, and discuss risks, benefits, expected visual outcome, and recovery with you.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions during this consultation.
A surgical date will also be offered at that point.
Your surgery will take place at the new Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre at the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich.
On arrival, you will present yourself to the Verdin House Main Reception, which will be signposted and directed to our surgical hub day case area. You will be greeted by a registered nurse in the day case admission office, who will confirm your details, re-assess you for any health or medication changes since your Cataract Assessment Clinic appointment.
In preparation for your cataract surgery will have a mark placed upon your forehead indicating which eye is to be operated on. Then a dilating pellet called a Mydriasert will be placed into your lower eyelid. This slowly releases a dilating drug in preparation for your surgery. You will then be taken to the day case area to wait for your allocated surgical time.
Please ensure you bring your current PRN medication, such as asthma inhaler, diabetic medication, and angina spray, as well as walking aids (if required), and contact details for the relative or friend who will be taking you home after the surgery.
When it is time for your surgery, you will be escorted by the cataract theatre team into the anaesthetic room and assisted onto the surgical trolley, before being transferred into the theatre. Your Mydriasert pellet will be removed at this point.
The theatre team, including the consultant who will perform the surgery, will greet you, confirm your identity, and ensure you are comfortable and ready for the procedure. A dedicated theatre support worker will also be available to sit with you during the surgery in case you need any additional support.
After your surgery, you will return to the day case area. You will have an eye shield placed over your operated eye. You will be provided with some refreshments, and informed about the post-surgery care, including eye drop regime. After a brief period of recovery, you will be able to leave the day case area and return home.
Do I need to take anything with me?
During your Cataract Clinic please ensure you bring:
- A list of your current medication
- Your glasses
- A current eyesight prescription if you have it
On the day of your surgery, please ensure you bring:
- Your current PRN medication, such as asthma inhaler, diabetic medication, and angina spray
- Walking aids (if required),
- Contact details for the relative or friend who will be taking you home after the surgery.
How long will my cataract assessment appointment take?
Approximately two hours. This includes the time to allow your pupils to dilate, tests, and consultation.
How long will my cataract surgery take?
On average the cataract operation takes approximately 20 minutes, but you will be at the surgical centre for approximately 2-3 hours from the time of admission to discharge.
Can I drive after my cataract assessment, or after surgery?
No. Dilating the eyes causes’ blurred vision and sensitivity to light, meaning that you won’t be able to drive from your appointment, further, you will have an eye shield on after your operation so it’s important to arrange a lift with someone you know.
