Cataract Surgery

What is cataract surgery?

The only definitive treatment is surgical removal. We do this through a tiny incision, replacing the natural lens with an artificial one. No stitches are required, and your vision generally improves rapidly within days.

Signs that you need surgery include difficulty reading signs when driving, a disabling glare while driving at night, and trouble participating in hobbies due to poor vision. If cataracts are affecting your quality of life, this is when we recommend surgery.

Without surgery, cataracts will worsen and could lead to total vision loss. Leaving treatment too long may also require you to have more complex surgery.

Refractive cataract surgery

This procedure removes a cataract and aims to correct refractive errors, which can cause poor vision. Refractive errors are problems in the way the light bends within your eye. They include short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.

How cataract surgery works

The procedure typically lasts less than 45 minutes. During surgery, we will implant a premium monofocal (single focus) lens in your eye. A monofocal lens allows for good vision over distance, but you will need glasses for excellent sight at all distances. We also offer advanced technology lenses for improved vision.

You must have a prescription that falls within a specific range to benefit from the improved vision an advanced technology lens can offer. Mr Tariq Ayoub may perform further tests to check if you are eligible for this lens replacement surgery. These tests will show whether the procedure has the potential to eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.

Read our blog to learn what happens during cataract surgery.

Your consultation

During your consultation, Mr Ayoub will discuss the choice of lenses suitable for your eye with you, including advanced technology lens suitability.

He will ask questions about your symptoms, eye health, and general health. We can then recommend any necessary diagnostic tests.

Mr Ayoub is a highly experienced surgeon, having done thousands of procedures – simple and complex. His outcomes are far superior to the expected national outcome benchmark.

Benefits

Surgical treatment improves your vision and brings many other benefits, including:

Freedom to participate in more activities
Richer and more enjoyable experience of life
Decreased risk of falls and fractures

Additional benefits of refractive surgery:

Vision improvements beyond cataract removal
Reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses
Associated cost savings

Risks

All surgeries carry a degree of risk, but cataract surgery is highly safe and effective. After your surgery, you may experience temporary blurry vision, red eyes, and dry eyes.

Complications are rare but can include infection, inflammation, bleeding, and retinal detachment. Read our blog to learn more: What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Recovery

Our ophthalmologist will explain surgery aftercare to you. We will send you home wearing an eye shield that you’ll need to use at night for at least a week. Please arrange transport home after the procedure as you cannot drive.

It may take four to six weeks for your eyes to recover. You’ll have to stop some activities temporarily while your eyes heal. We discuss these further in our blog: Top tips after cataract surgery. We also explain what to expect after surgery.

How much does surgery cost?

The cost of your procedure will depend on how complex your surgery is and which lens you choose. We accept all major debit and credit cards and provide finance with 0% interest. We also work with all major insurance companies, as shown on our Fees page.

Additional resources

$refractive cataract surgery$

Book an appointment

Choose surgery for a better quality of life and freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Mr Tariq Ayoub will advise on the most suitable treatment for you after a thorough consultation and testing.

Book a consultation today to get started and prioritise your eye health.

FAQs

This will depend on the health of your eyes and choice of synthetic lens implanted in your eye. Use of a Trifocal Advance Technology Lens generally reduces the dependence on glasses.

During your consultation, Mr. Ayoub will discuss the various lens options available to you and advice you on the suitability of each lens for your eye.

The surgery is generally pain free as anaesthesia in the form of drops is used during the surgery to numb the eye.

Yes you have the option of having both eyes done on the same day.

Generally most people are ready to return to work/general day-to-day activities 3 days after surgery. However, heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery. Mr. Ayoub will discuss your personal circumstances with you during your consultation.

Driving can be resumed when the legal standard is met, typically one week after surgery. Mr. Ayoub will discuss your personal circumstances with you during your consultation.

No, cataracts cannot come back because the natural lens has been removed. However, if you experience similar symptoms after your surgery, you may have posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO is a common complication that can occur weeks, months or years after your treatment.

We use a computer-guided laser to create the surgical cut to remove your cataracts, instead of a surgical blade. We can also use it to soften your natural lens with the cataract, which makes the removal process easier.

Laser cataract surgery is associated with fewer complications and a faster recovery, though not everyone is suitable for it. Discuss your circumstances with our ophthalmologist.

0330 128 1616

Our clinic sites are regulated by
The Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Book consultation

“From the beginning consultation that established I needed both eyes operated on to remove the cataracts to the
completion of the process all those involved in appointments were extremely helpful and kind and explained
everything fully. I decided to have one eye done at a time and on both occasions Tariq Ayoub explained the process which put my fears to rest. His skills were truly amazing as I never felt any pain and it felt like he took me on a trip to the galaxy with the bright lights. I am amazed at the result as I am now able to see a brighter world. I
cannot recommend him highly enough.”