Cataract Surgery
- Home
- Cataract Surgery
Learn what to expect when visiting the Emergency Department. Learn More
Menu
- Home
- About
- Departments
- All Departments
- Anaesthesia & Pain Management
- Cardiology
- Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery (CTVS)
- Critical Care
- Dental Surgery
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- ENT
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology
- General & Laparoscopic Surgery
- General Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery & Spine
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Paediatric Surgery
- Paediatrics & Neonatology
- Pathology & Laboratory
- Psychiatry
- Pulmonology
- Radiology & Imaging
- Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy
- Reproductive Medicine (IVF & Fertility)
- Patient Guide
- Diagnostics
- Diagnostics & Tests
- Angiography
- Biopsy Test
- Blood Tests
- Bronchoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- CT Scan
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- ECHO (Echocardiogram)
- Endoscopy
- Interventional Radiology
- Kidney Function Test (KFT)
- Liver Function Test (LFT)
- Mammography
- MRI Scan
- Pulmonary Function Test
- Sleep Study
- Test Preparation Guides
- Thyroid Profile
- Ultrasound / Sonography
- X-Ray
- Health Checkup
- Find a Doctor
- Academics
- September 5, 2026
- 5 MINS READ
Patient Procedures
Understanding Cataract Surgery
If your vision has become cloudy, making reading difficult or night driving dangerous, you are not alone. Cataracts are a natural part of aging, but they don’t have to be permanent. At St. Stephen’s Hospital, our ophthalmology team performs painless, advanced cataract surgeries that can restore your crisp, clear vision in a matter of minutes.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Inside your eye is a naturally clear lens that focuses light. When this lens turns cloudy, it is called a cataract. Cataract surgery is a quick procedure where the surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL).
Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) We Offer:
- Monofocal Lenses: Set to provide clear vision at one distance (usually for distance vision, requiring reading glasses for close-up tasks).
- Multifocal Lenses: Designed with different zones to help you see at near, intermediate, and far distances.
- Toric Lenses: Specifically designed to correct astigmatism alongside the cataract.
When and Why is it Needed?
Cataracts develop slowly. Surgery is usually recommended when the clouded vision begins to interfere with your daily activities. Symptoms indicating it might be time for surgery include:
- Blurred, dim, or "foggy" vision.
- Severe glare or halos around lights (especially headlights at night).
- Loss of contrast sensitivity.
- The need for brighter light when reading.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed globally.
- Preparation: You will be given numbing eye drops so you will not feel any pain. You will remain awake, but you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax.
- The Surgery (Phacoemulsification): The surgeon makes a microscopic incision at the edge of your cornea. A tiny ultrasound probe is inserted to gently break up the cloudy lens into small pieces, which are then suctioned out.
- The Implant: The new, clear artificial lens (IOL) is folded, inserted through the same tiny incision, and carefully unfolded into its permanent position.
- Timeframe: The entire surgical process takes only 15 to 20 minutes per eye.
Risks and Complications
Cataract surgery has a very high success rate. Rare complications can include eye infection, bleeding, temporary swelling in the eye, or retinal detachment. In some cases, a “secondary cataract” can develop months or years later, which is easily fixed with a simple, 5-minute laser procedure in the office.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Hospital Stay: This is a quick outpatient procedure; you will go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.
- Immediate Aftercare: You will wear a protective eye shield for the first night or two. It is normal for your eye to feel slightly scratchy or sensitive to light for a few days.
- Eye Drops: You will be prescribed specific antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for a few weeks to prevent infection and help the eye heal.
Life After Cataract Surgery
Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in their vision within 24 to 48 hours. Colors will appear brighter and sharper. Depending on the type of lens implant you chose, you may still need glasses for reading or fine detail work, but your overall visual quality of life will be significantly enhanced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The surgeon makes a microscopic incision at the edge of the cornea. A tiny ultrasound probe is inserted to gently break up the cloudy natural lens into small pieces, which are suctioned out. A new, clear artificial lens (Intraocular Lens) is then inserted into the eye to permanently replace it.
While highly safe, potential risks include eye infection, bleeding, or temporary swelling. A common long-term occurrence is "secondary cataracts," where the capsule holding the new lens becomes cloudy. This is easily and permanently fixed with a painless, 5-minute laser procedure in the office.
The three main types are: 1) Phacoemulsification (using ultrasound waves to break up the lens), 2) Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (used for very dense cataracts requiring a slightly larger incision), and 3) Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (using an advanced laser to make precise incisions and soften the cataract).
The surgical procedure itself is remarkably fast, typically taking only 15 to 20 minutes per eye. However, you should expect to be at the surgical center for about two to three hours total to allow time for preparation, dilation of the eye, and a brief post-operative recovery period.
Yes, because cataracts are a medical condition that impairs vision, standard cataract surgery is generally covered by most health insurance plans. However, premium artificial lenses (like multifocal or astigmatism-correcting lenses) often require an out-of-pocket upgrade fee.
No. Thanks to the highly effective numbing eye drops used, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. You may feel slight pressure on the eye, but it is very well tolerated, and you will receive a mild sedative to help you stay relaxed.