Cataract surgery removes the eye’s clouded natural lens and replaces it with an artificial one, restoring sharp, clear vision. Available at Ascend Eye Clinic, with a range of premium lens options to suit your lifestyle.
Cataracts are a common eye condition in which the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making vision less clear. Cataracts usually develop gradually and are most often linked to ageing. However, they can also be caused by eye injury, certain medications, or other underlying health conditions.
As the lens becomes less transparent, it becomes harder for light to enter the eye properly. This can lead to a range of symptoms:
Difficulty seeing clearly, as though looking through a foggy window
Rings or starbursts around lights, especially at night
Colours may appear duller, less vibrant, or slightly yellowed
Reduced ability to see in low light
Seeing two overlapping images in one eye
While cataracts are often a natural part of ageing, there are several steps you can take to potentially delay their onset and reduce your risk:
Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays helps shield your eyes from sun damage.
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables help protect the lens from oxidative damage.
Conditions like diabetes can raise your risk of early cataracts, so keeping your overall health in check can help.
Both have been linked to a higher risk of developing cataracts.
There is no fixed point at which cataract surgery becomes “necessary”. The decision isn’t based on a single measurement, but on how your vision is affecting your daily life.
Many patients wait until their vision is badly affected before thinking about surgery. But having surgery at the right time, before the cataracts gets too advanced, usually means a smoother procedure and easier recovery.
As cataracts become denser, they become harder to remove, which raises the risk of complications. Having surgery at the right time leads to more consistent, predictable results, especially important if you’re hoping to rely less on glasses afterward.
As a cataract grows, the lens inside your eye becomes thicker and can start to swell. This pushes against the iris (the coloured part of your eye), narrowing the small space where fluid normally drains out. If this space becomes too narrow, fluid can no longer drain properly and pressure inside the eye can rise suddenly. This is called angle closure, and it can lead to a sudden, painful, and sight-threatening problem called acute angle closure glaucoma.
Removing the cataract and replacing it with a thin artificial lens helps open up this drainage space again, allowing fluid to flow normally. This lowers the risk of angle closure, so cataract surgery isn’t just about seeing more clearly, it also helps protect the overall health of your eye.
There are no medications, eye drops, supplements, or exercises that can reverse or eliminate the cataract once the lens has become cloudy. The only effective treatment is cataract surgery, where the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.
Cataract surgery is a safe, minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthetic eye drops, with the cloudy lens typically removed in under 30 minutes. It’s carried out as a day surgery, and most patients are able to resume their regular activities within a few days. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved, which we will explain in full before your surgery.
Conventional cataract surgery is a well established, highly effective technique using fine microsurgical instruments. Once the eye is numbed, a small incision is made manually and ultrasound energy is used to break the cataract into tiny pieces for removal in a process called phacoemulsification. The new artificial lens is then carefully positioned in its place.
Laser cataract surgery uses a femtosecond laser to assist with certain parts of the procedure, including creating the incision and pre-softening the cataract before removal. This added precision can reduce the amount of ultrasound energy required and may be particularly beneficial in cases where lens positioning is critical, such as with premium lens options.
At Ascend Eye Clinic, every cataract operation is carefully tailored to the individual. A comprehensive assessment of your eye health, lifestyle, and visual needs allows us to plan the procedure and select the most appropriate intraocular lens to achieve the best possible visual outcome.
Whether your priority is the sharpest distance vision, reducing dependence on glasses, or correcting astigmatism, your treatment plan is customised to your goals while maintaining the highest standards of safety and surgical precision.
Book a consultation with us today to find out which approach is right for you.
The intraocular lens used in your surgery is chosen based on your lifestyle and visual needs. Lenses can be designed to optimize distance vision, near vision, or a combination of both.
A monofocal IOL is the most commonly used lens in cataract surgery, providing clear vision at one distance, typically far, intermediate, or near. Lens power is calculated around your visual habits and needs. This lens is well suited to patients who prioritise sharp vision at a single distance and don’t mind wearing glasses for other tasks.
An advanced monofocal IOL is a newer version of the standard monofocal lens, with an updated design that extends depth of focus. This offers a modest boost in intermediate vision, useful for tasks like computer work and driving. This is a good option for patients wanting slightly more visual flexibility without moving to an EDOF or multifocal lens.
An EDOF IOL provides a continuous range of clear vision from distance to intermediate. This lens is ideal for patients who want strong intermediate vision, such as for computer work, with less reliance on glasses for everyday activities.
A multifocal IOL is designed to provide clear vision across multiple distances from near, intermediate, and distance. This allows many patients to reduce their dependence on glasses for most daily tasks, including reading. This lens is best suited for patients who strongly prioritise glasses independence and are comfortable with a higher chance of glare or halos, particularly at night.
Astigmatism can cause blurred or distorted vision at all distances. At Ascend Eye Clinic, toric correction is available across all our lens options, allowing your lens choice to be tailored to both your astigmatism and visual needs.
From your initial consultation to treatment and follow-up care, our team will guide you through every stage of your journey. We will take the time to explain your condition, answer your questions and help you feel informed and supported throughout your care.
Your consultation begins with a detailed assessment of your vision and eye health. Depending on your condition, this may include measurements of your vision and eye pressure, examination of the front and back of the eye, and advanced diagnostic imaging.
Our team will guide you through each test and explain what is being assessed. Your results will then be carefully reviewed to understand your individual needs and determine whether monitoring or treatment may be recommended.
Every eye and every patient is different. Your treatment plan will be tailored according to your examination findings, visual needs, general health and lifestyle.
We will explain the recommended treatment, its expected benefits, possible risks and any suitable alternatives in a clear and straightforward manner. You will have time to ask questions and consider your options before deciding how you would like to proceed.
Before your treatment, our team will guide you through the necessary preparations, paperwork and medication instructions. Where applicable, we will explain how to use your prescribed eye drops and how to care for your eyes afterwards.
We understand that undergoing a procedure can feel unfamiliar or worrying. Our team will be available to answer your questions and ensure that you know what to expect before the day of your treatment.
On the day of your procedure, you will arrive at the hospital or surgical centre where your operation has been scheduled. The surgical team will help you prepare and explain what will happen at each stage.
Anaesthetic eye drops or other forms of anaesthesia may be used, depending on the procedure, to keep you comfortable. Your doctor and the surgical team will support and reassure you throughout the operation.
Most eye surgeries are performed as day procedures, although the duration and recovery process will depend on the treatment you receive. Your vision may be temporarily blurred afterwards, so you should arrange for someone to accompany you home and should not drive unless your doctor has advised that it is safe to do so.
We will provide clear instructions on how to care for your eyes, use any prescribed medication and manage your activities during recovery. We will also explain which symptoms are expected and when you should contact the clinic for further advice.
Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your vision, assess your recovery and identify any concerns at an early stage. Our team remains accessible should you have any questions or concerns throughout your recovery.
At Ascend Eye Clinic, we understand that understanding cataract surgery can feel overwhelming. That is why we take a personalised approach to patient care, ensuring you have the time and support you need to make an informed decision with confidence.
Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with us to discuss your treatment options and receive a personalised assessment tailored to your vision needs.
Cataract surgery is typically quick, taking about 15-30 minutes per eye. This includes preparation and the surgical procedure itself.
Once your cataract surgery is completed, you will be moved to a recovery area where you will be monitored for a short period of time. Your eye will be covered with a transparent protective shield, and you may notice mild blurriness or watering. This is all normal. Once you are awake after the sedation wears off, you will be able to eat and drink. At this point, we will also advise you on the usage of post-operative eye drops. As soon as you are comfortable, you will be able to go home. It would be helpful to have a family member or friend to accompany you on the way back.
No. Cataract surgery is performed as a day surgery, so you can return home on the same day after a short period of recovery and observation.
Most insurance plans cover cataract surgery performed as a day surgery. Our team can assist with the necessary documents for your insurance claim.
Most patients notice clearer vision within a few days, although complete healing usually takes a few weeks. Recovery varies from person to person.
Usually not. Cataract surgery is typically performed on one eye first, with the second eye scheduled after the first has healed.
Most people can resume light daily activities within a day or two. Your surgeon will advise you when it is safe to drive, exercise, swim, or perform strenuous activities.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful operations performed today. Most patients experience a significant improvement in vision, although results also depend on the overall health of the eye.
Complications are uncommon but can include infection, bleeding, retinal swelling or detachment, raised eye pressure, or lens displacement. Your surgeon will discuss these risks before surgery.
Mild blurring, watering, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation are common for the first few days and usually improve as the eye heals.
Not usually. Your surgeon will review the healing of your first eye and repeat only the measurements or scans that are needed.
This depends on your eyes. In most cases, the eye with the more advanced cataract or poorer vision is treated first.
No. Most cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic with light sedation, so you will be relaxed and comfortable but not fully unconscious.
Yes. At Ascend Eye Clinic, we use advanced computer-assisted technology to enhance the precision of cataract surgery. Combined with modern surgical techniques and premium diagnostic equipment, we tailor every procedure to your eyes to achieve the best possible visual outcome.
Your vision may be blurry at first but usually improves over the next few days. Eye drops are prescribed to aid healing, and your surgeon will review your recovery at follow-up visits.
