How long does cataract surgery take?

Private cataract surgery in London is not a simple operation. However, since many ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) carry out cataract surgery routinely, their results are both reliable and very satisfactory.

Usually, a surgeon will spend 10 to 25 minutes doing a cataract surgery, in which the surgeon removes the opaque lens from the eye. They use a special ultrasound machine, which is called “phacoemulsification”, remove the bad lens.

Afterwards, the surgeon replaces the bad lens with an artificial intraocular lens. Because the surgeon anaesthetises the patient’s eye with anaesthetic eye drops, the patient feels no pain or discomfort during the surgery. The artificial lens is permanent, and will enable the patient to see clearly for the rest of their lives.

The patient may sometimes experience some grogginess after cataract surgery, which is caused by sedation or the anaesthesia. This feeling can last from 30 to 60 minutes after the operation. After the doctor confirms that the cataract surgery went as expected, the patient can go home. It is important that the patient not drive directly after the surgery and follow all postoperative cautions and instructions from the surgeon.

Before to the actual cataract surgery, the patient attends a pre-operative appointment and consultation. During this appointment the surgeon measures the patient’s eye and explains the different steps of the surgery with the patient.

The surgeon should also provide advice relating to the best process and lenses for the patient. During this appointment the patient should clarify any concerns they have about the surgery. The duration of the appointment tends to depend on the patient’s individual needs, their eyes and the questions they might ask.

In all, even though the surgery is not simple, it does not take long. Most surgeons perform private cataract surgery in London routinely and can therefore predict reliable results.

You can call me on 07919 895 448 and I would be happy to discuss.