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Treatment for your vision needs

Your cataract surgery journey

A routine procedure that has helped millions of people enjoy clearer vision again.

Cataract surgery – Clearly Explained

From the first signs of cataracts to surgery and recovery, our video series breaks down complex topics into clear, straightforward explanations.
  • What to expect from cataract surgery

    What to expect from cataract surgery
  • Choosing the right lens for your vision – questions to think about

    Choosing the right lens for your vision – questions to think about
  • Understanding Cataracts

    Understanding Cataracts

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    Learn how cataract surgery works, what to expect before, during and after the procedure, and how it can help restore clearer vision.
    What to expect from cataract surgery

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    Explore lens options and the questions to discuss with your eye doctor.
    Choosing the right lens for your vision – questions to think about

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    Learn what cataracts are, why they develop, how they affect your vision, and when it may be time to speak with an eye care professional.
    Understanding Cataracts

What to expect during your cataract surgery journey

From your first consultation to clearer vision, here's what happens every step of the way.
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  • Step 1 - Before surgery

    Preparing for your treatment

    Preparing for cataract surgery is usually straightforward. Before your procedure, your eye care professional will examine your eyes, measure them to select the most suitable intraocular lens (IOL), and review yourmedical history and any medications you're taking.
    You'll also receive instructions for the day of surgery, such as whether to use prescribed eye drops, what to eat or drink beforehand, and arranging for someone to take you home after the procedure.

    Doctor and patient sitting at a desk in a medical office.
  • Step 2 - On the day of surgery

    What happens when you arrive for surgery and will cataract surgery hurt?

    Cataract surgery is usually performed as a outpatient surgery. Before the procedure begins, your eye will be numbed with anaesthetic eye drops to help keep you comfortable throughout treatment.

    Anaesthesia prior to cataract surgery.
  • Step 3 - During surgery

    A tiny opening, a precise first step

    Your surgeon creates a tiny opening of around 2 mm in the cornea. This allows the artificial lens (IOL) to be gently inserted into your eye during cataract surgery.

    Incision of the cornea during cataract surgery.

  • How is my eye protected during cataract surgery?

    During the procedure, your surgeon gently adds a clear, gel-like substance called an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) inside the eye. It helps create space for the surgical instruments and protects delicate eye structures while the procedure is performed.

    Injection of Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices (OVDs) during cataract surgery.

  • How is the cataract removed safely?

    To access the cloudy lens, the surgeon makes a precise opening in the lens capsule using a fine surgical instrument. This careful step helps prepare the eye for cataract removal.

    Opening of the capsular bag during cataract surgery.

  • How is the cloudy lens removed?

    During this step, a small ultrasound device softens and breaks the cloudy lens into tiny fragments. The fragments are gently removed while the surgeon carefully works to protect the surrounding eye structures.

    Removal of the cataract lens during surgery.

  • How is the new lens placed in my eye?

    A clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), is carefully positioned inside the eye where the natural lens was located. The tiny openings made during surgery usually close and heal naturally. After the new lens has been placed, your surgeon will carefully check your eye and place a protective patch over it. This helps protect your eye as it begins to heal following surgery.

    Insertion of an intraocular lens (IOL) during cataract surgery.
  • Step 4 - After surgery

    How long does it take to recover after cataract surgery and when will your vision improve?

    Most people return home the same day. Your vision may be slightly blurred at first, but it should gradually improve as your eye heals. Your eye care professional will explain how to care for your eye and whenyou can return to your usual activities.

    Hand pulling a suitcase across a street, representing the patient’s departure from the clinic after laser eye surgery and the importance of not driving immediately afterward.
  • Step 5 - Looking ahead

    When can you get back to everyday life?

    As your eye heals, many everyday activities become easier again. Depending on the intraocular lens you choose, you may also reduce yourdependence on glasses for some daily tasks. Continue attending your follow-up appointments to make sure your eye is healing as expected.

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What happens during cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide. Learn how the surgery works, what you can expect during treatment, and how modern technology can support your journey towards clearer vision.

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    Discover how a cloudy lens is replaced to help restore clear vision.

Frequently asked questions

  • The right time for cataract surgery is when your vision begins to affect the things you enjoy or need to do every day. If you're finding it harder toread, drive, recognise faces, or cope with glare and bright lights, it may be time to speak with your eye care professional.
    A comprehensive eye examination can confirm whether a cataract is the cause of your symptoms and help determine if surgery is the best next step for you.

  • Choosing your intraocular lens (IOL) is one of the most important steps before cataract surgery, because it directly influences how you will seeafter the procedure. Different lenses are designed to support different visual needs and lifestyles.
    Your eye care professional will guide you through the options based on your eye health, but your daily life plays a key role too. Think about what matters most to you: clear distance vision, reading without glasses, driving at night, or reducing your overall dependence on glasses. There is no “one best lens” for everyone—the right choice depends on how you use your vision every day.
    To help you prepare for your consultation, explore the different lens options and reflect on your personal needs and priorities.

    Find the lens that matches your life

  • Your eye will be numbed with anaesthetic eye drops before the procedure begins, so most people experience little or no discomfort during surgery. You may notice lights or gentle movement, but the procedure itself is not painful in most cases.

  • Yes. Cataract surgery is usually performed while you're awake using local anaesthetic eye drops. Your eye care team will guide you through the procedure and make sure you're comfortable throughout.

  • Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed eye procedures worldwide and has helped millions of people restore clearer vision. Like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks, which your eye care professional will discuss with you before treatment.