NHS Cataract Surgery: What to Expect
Cataract surgery is the UK’s most commonly performed elective operation — over 400,000 NHS procedures per year. It is a safe, highly effective day-case procedure that restores clear vision by replacing the clouded natural lens with an artificial one.
- Procedure time: 15–45 minutes per eye
- Anaesthetic: Local anaesthetic (eye drops or injection) — awake throughout
- Hospital stay: Day case — home same day
- Vision improvement: Often noticeable within 24–48 hours
- Full recovery: 4–6 weeks
- Success rate: Over 99% of operations improve vision without serious complications
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. As cataracts develop, vision becomes increasingly blurry, hazy, or less colourful. Cataracts develop slowly over time and are most common in people over 60, though they can also occur in younger people and, rarely, in newborns.
Symptoms include blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing in bright light or at night, faded colours, and double vision in one eye. Glasses cannot correct vision impaired by cataracts — surgery is the only effective treatment.
The NHS Cataract Operation
The standard NHS procedure is called phacoemulsification (phaco). Under local anaesthetic, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye, uses ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens, removes it by suction, and inserts a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) in its place. The incision is self-sealing and usually requires no stitches.
The operation is performed on one eye at a time. If both eyes need treatment, the second operation is typically scheduled a few weeks after the first. The NHS usually provides a standard monofocal lens; premium multifocal lenses that reduce dependence on glasses are available privately.
Recovery
- Day 1: Vision may be blurry — this is normal. Use prescribed eye drops as directed.
- Week 1: Avoid rubbing the eye. Wear the protective shield at night. No swimming.
- Week 2–4: Most daily activities resume. Continue eye drops as prescribed.
- Week 4–6: Final vision stabilises. New glasses prescription if needed (after 6 weeks).
Disclaimer: For educational use only. Consult your GP or ophthalmologist for personal advice. Full disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cataract surgery available free on the NHS?
Yes. NHS cataract surgery is available when cataracts significantly affect your vision and quality of life. You will be referred by your GP or optometrist. Waiting times vary by area but are typically several months. Standard monofocal lenses are provided; premium lenses cost extra privately.
How long does NHS cataract surgery take?
The procedure itself takes around 30–45 minutes per eye and is performed as day surgery under local anaesthetic, so you go home the same day. Most people notice improved vision within a few days, with full stabilisation in 4–6 weeks.
Can both eyes be done at the same time on the NHS?
The NHS generally treats one eye at a time, allowing the first to recover before operating on the second. This reduces risk and allows the second procedure to be optimised based on the first result. Most patients have both eyes treated within a few months of each other.