Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Phacoemulsification, commonly called "phaco," is the most widely used modern technique for removing a cataract — a clouding of the eye's natural lens that causes blurry, dim, or glare-affected vision. The surgeon uses a small ultrasound probe to break the cloudy lens into tiny fragments and gently suction them out through a very small self-sealing incision, then places a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) in its place. It is usually done as day-care (outpatient) surgery under local anaesthesia.
Who typically needs this
- Recommended once a cataract has clouded vision enough to interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, cooking, or recognising faces.
- Considered when glare or halos around lights, especially at night, make normal activities difficult or unsafe.
- May be advised earlier than symptoms alone suggest if the cataract is preventing proper monitoring or treatment of another eye condition, such as diabetic retinopathy.
- Suitable for the great majority of cataract patients, including most older adults with otherwise stable eye health.
What to expect
- Before surgery, the eye is measured (biometry) to calculate the correct power for the artificial lens.
- On the day of surgery, anaesthetic drops (sometimes with light sedation) numb the eye; the patient is awake but should feel no pain.
- The surgeon makes a very small incision at the edge of the cornea and uses an ultrasound probe to break up and gently suction out the cloudy lens.
- A soft, foldable intraocular lens is inserted through the same tiny incision and unfolds into position inside the eye.
- The incision is usually self-sealing and does not need stitches; the whole procedure typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes per eye.
Recovery
- Vision often starts improving within a few days, though full stabilisation can take several weeks.
- A protective shield is usually worn over the eye, especially at night, for about a week to prevent accidental rubbing or injury.
- Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed for several weeks to prevent infection and control inflammation.
- Patients are usually advised to avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, dusty environments, and heavy lifting for a period their surgeon specifies.
Risks to know about
- Infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis) is a rare but serious risk that is treated as a surgical emergency.
- The thin membrane holding the lens (posterior capsule) can occasionally tear during surgery, which may need an adjusted surgical approach.
- Swelling of the retina (cystoid macular edema), temporary rise in eye pressure, and, rarely, retinal detachment can occur.
- Posterior capsule opacification — clouding of the membrane behind the new lens — is common months to years later and is treated separately with a quick outpatient laser procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Is cataract surgery painful?
No — the eye is numbed with drops, and most people feel only mild pressure, not pain, during the procedure.
How soon can I resume normal activities?
Light activities can usually resume within a day or two, but your surgeon will advise on when it is safe to resume driving, exercise, and swimming.
Will I still need glasses after surgery?
It depends on the type of lens implanted and your eyes; many patients still need glasses for reading or fine, close-up tasks.
Can both eyes be operated on the same day?
Most surgeons prefer to operate on one eye first and confirm good healing before doing the second, though same-day surgery on both eyes is done in some cases based on surgeon judgment.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: Mayo Clinic — Cataract Surgery, NHS — Cataract Surgery, NEI — Cataracts . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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