How cataract surgery is carried out

Animation to show how cataract surgery is carried out.

The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

For more information visit our health information site http://www.bupa.co.uk/health

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Bupa
• health
• eye
• lens
• vision
• sight
• diabetes
• optician
• ophthalmology
• phacoemulsification

[vivboh66]

Yes, I decided it was better to have a local anaesthetic rather than a general, because you don't have to stay in hospital overnight, you can go home the same day. The worse bit was right at the beginning but after that, it was not even as bad as going to the dentist. Your other eye is covered and the eye being operated on is numb and very unfocused. You can just discern light and shade, and not much else. Good luck.

[aquenwisey]

@vivboh66 were you awake while the surgery was in process

[vivboh66]

Relax everyone, I had this op two days ago and, honestly, it's really not so bad - certainly worth it. Suddenly, colours look incredibly bright and whites really are whiter than white!

[SuperMacck]

@dub thankz for that as well I have cataract in my left eye and go in for surgery Aug 28 2011 it looks so scary but forget it I'm ready

[kenengelstad]

had both eyes done within the last 5 weeks, piece of cake!!

fantastic result, driving without glasses for the first time in 30 years

[art4med]

downright scary-- not the surgery:: your "patient"!

[RandolfLedesma]

@slazzer145 My mom just had a cataract operation and she was sooo scared. But then, she was alright after couple of hours. She noticed the big difference in her eyes after the surgery. You should be alright :)

[slazzer145]

@dubaipete I have cataract in both eyes my first eye cataract surgery will be in august 21 2011 .and I feel so nervous...I wish everthing will be alright like yours...

[mickigoe]

@dubaipete Thanks again dp - I can cope a lot better with the anticpation period having read your comforting words. You're a good person and I wish you long life and good health.

[dubaipete]

@mickigoe I could have elected for general anesthetic but that would have meant an overnight stay in hospital. I just wanted it over and done with. Being awake is the 'creepy' part - allowing someone to poke around your eyes is against instinct, but trust me, you will not feel any pain during it, and very manageable discomfort for a day or so. And keep in mind, the op will be over in no time really and the benefits are amazing! Good luck!