Standard Cataract Surgery
The Procedure
Standard cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) is the most commonly performed elective surgery in the UK. It is highly successful and takes only 10-20 minutes.
- Anaesthetic: The eye is numbed with drops. You will be awake but will not feel pain.
- Incision: A tiny, self-sealing incision (about 2.5mm) is made in the cornea.
- Removal: An ultrasound probe breaks the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and gently vacuums them out.
- Implant: A clear, artificial monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) is folded, inserted through the incision, and unfolds into the exact position of your natural lens.
The Monofocal Lens
A standard monofocal lens provides excellent vision at a single distance — usually set for distance vision (driving, watching TV). You will still need reading glasses for close work, and possibly for intermediate distances (computer use).
Risks and Complications
Cataract surgery is very safe, but all surgery carries some risk.
- Common/Minor: Grittiness, bruising, temporary blurred vision, dry eye.
- Uncommon (1-2%): Posterior capsule rupture (may require a different lens or a second procedure), cystoid macular oedema (swelling at the back of the eye, usually treatable with drops).
- Rare but Serious (less than 1 in 1000): Severe infection (endophthalmitis), retinal detachment, permanent vision loss.
Are you short-sighted? Understanding your lens choice
If you are myopic, this interactive guide explains what happens to your near vision after surgery and walks you through all your lens options.
Before your cataract surgery
Your near vision superpower — and what happens to it
If you are short-sighted (myopic), you have probably spent your whole life being able to read, use your phone, and do close-up tasks without glasses — even when you cannot see anything clearly at distance.
Because your eye is longer than average, light from close objects naturally focuses on your retina without any effort. You can read a menu, thread a needle, or check your phone in the dark without reaching for glasses. Many short-sighted people do not realise how unusual — and useful — this ability is.
Cataract surgery removes your cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a new artificial lens implant (IOL). The IOL does not change shape. It is fixed at whatever focus point is chosen at the time of surgery.
If your new lens is set to give you clear distance vision (emmetropia), your natural ability to read without glasses will be gone from the moment the surgery is complete. It does not come back. The brain cannot adapt. You will need reading glasses for everything up close — for the rest of your life.
This is not a complication. It is the expected, intended result of the surgery. But many patients are not prepared for it emotionally, even when they have signed the consent form.
Still have questions?
Our AI assistant is trained on CES Medical's specific lens options and clinical guidelines. Ask any questions you have about your choices.
NHS vs Private Care
- Free at the point of use
- Standard waiting times apply
- Standard monofocal lenses for cataract surgery
- Consultant-led care, but you may see different doctors
- No waiting lists
- Choose your preferred consultant
- Access to premium multifocal and toric lenses
- Flexible appointment times
Duration
15-20 mins
Anaesthetic
Local (Drops)
Initial Recovery
1-2 weeks
Having this procedure?
View the complete surgical journey, including pre-op preparation and post-op care instructions.
View Surgical Journey