C L E A R L Y
Cataract Surgery
Cataract Surgery: Restoring Clear Vision
Expert from London: A Safe, Modern Vision Restoration
This leaflet provides essential information about cataracts, their global and local context, and what to expect from modern cataract surgery.
You can be confident that you are in highly experienced hands. Your surgeon has a wealth of experience, having performed cataract surgery for over 15 years across both the UK and India.
This extensive practice utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques and technology, including a wide range of Premium Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) to achieve maximum visual independence. Our commitment to high quality ensures that our success rates meet the demanding clinical standards set here in the UK. We focus on providing safe, precise surgery with outcomes that restore your vision with exceptional clarity.
What is a Cataract?
Cataracts are one of the world’s leading causes of vision loss.
A cataract occurs when the eye’s normally clear lens becomes clouded, resulting in blurry, dim, or distorted vision. They typically develop slowly, most often due to the aging process, but also as a result of trauma, diabetes, and long-term medications.
The good news is that cataract surgery is safe and highly successful. Millions of people regain clear, sharp vision through this procedure each year.
Cataract and Surgery: Key Statistics
Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed procedures globally.
| Area | Key Cataract & Surgery Statistics | Source |
| Global Burden | Cataracts account for approximately 45% of global blindness [4]. | WHO / Global Data |
| Our Success Rate | Cataract surgery has a remarkable success rate, with close to 100% of patients reporting improved vision in line with UK standards.[5]. | UK Clinical Data |
| UK Procedure Volume | The NHS performs around 450,000 cataract operations annually, making it the most common surgery in the UK [5]. | NHS/UK Audit |
| India Burden | Cataract is responsible for 50-80% of bilateral blindness in India [6]. | Indian National Data |
| High-Risk Group (UK) | Prevalence is significantly higher in some communities; for instance, 77% of British people originating from the Indian Subcontinent (aged 42+) have cataracts [3]. | UK Study |
| India Surgical Volume | India conducted a record of 83.4 lakh (8.34 million) successful cataract surgeries in 2022-2023 [7]. | Indian Government Data |
Key Points for Patients
| Feature | Description |
| Definition | Clouding of the eye’s natural lens. |
| Primary Cause | Aging (over 95% of cases are age-related [3]). |
| Symptoms | Blurry vision, glares, and faded colours. |
| Treatment | Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment. |
| Safety | Considered one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine. |
Causes and Risk Factors
While aging is the primary cause, several factors can accelerate cataract development or lead to earlier onset:
1. Diabetes and other Metabolic Disorders
◦ High blood glucose levels disturb lens proteins, leading to clouding and faster progression.
2. Eye Trauma or Past Surgery
◦ An injury or previous eye surgery may alter the lens structure, increasing the risk of a traumatic cataract.
3. Use of Steroids or Other Medications
◦ Long-term use of steroids and certain other drugs can alter lens transparency over time, significantly raising the risk.
4. Greater Sun Exposure (UV) and Smoking
◦ Increased UV exposure and smoking generate oxidative stress in the eye, impacting lens proteins and leading to quicker progression of clouding. These factors increase cataract risk significantly.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts often develop slowly, so initial symptoms may be subtle. Consult a specialist if you experience:
• Cloudy, misty, or blurry vision
• Glares or sensitivity to bright lights (especially at night)
• Colours appearing faded or yellowed
• Worsened night vision and difficulty driving after dark
• Frequent changes in your glasses prescription that offer little lasting improvement
Diagnosis and Assessment
Our specialists perform thorough eye assessments using state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to confirm the presence of cataracts and determine how much they are affecting your vision. We will then create a personalised treatment pathway specifically for you.
Cataract Surgery – A Contemporary Procedure
Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment for permanently restoring clear vision. It is among the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine.
The Procedure:
• The surgeon removes the natural, cloudy lens.
• It is replaced with an artificial, clear Intraocular Lens (IOL).
• This is a speedy, minimally invasive surgery performed with a local anaesthetic.
• Most patients are able to return home the same day as the surgery!
Advantages of Surgery
• Clearer, brighter vision
• Increased ability to read, drive, and recognize faces
• Enhanced quality of life and independence
• Long-lasting results with very minimal risk (The risk of permanent sight loss is less than 1 in 1,000 [5]).
Most patients experience dramatic improvement in their vision just days after their surgery. We provide good pre-operative counselling, expert surgical techniques, and comprehensive post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery and excellent visual results.
Choosing Your New Lens (Premium IOLs)
The standard replacement lens provides excellent vision, typically focused at a single distance (like driving). However, you will likely still need glasses for reading or computer work.
Premium Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) are advanced options designed to offer a greater range of vision, often dramatically reducing or even eliminating your dependence on glasses after surgery.
These lenses are tailored to different visual needs:
• Multifocal and Trifocal IOLs: These offer the widest range of vision, providing clear focus at near (reading), intermediate (computer), and far distances, aiming for maximum freedom from glasses.
• Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs: These lenses create a single, elongated focus that provides excellent vision from far distance to intermediate distance (e.g., using a desktop computer or viewing a car dashboard). They offer a smooth visual experience with less risk of night-time glare compared to some multifocals, though you may still need reading glasses for very fine print.
• Toric IOLs: These are specifically designed to correct for an irregular corneal shape (astigmatism) at the time of surgery, which enhances overall sharpness.
While premium lenses involve an additional cost, they can be a worthwhile investment for those seeking maximum visual freedom and an active lifestyle. Your specialist will discuss all options based on your specific needs and goals.
Bibliography and References
References cited in the text:
• [1] World Health Organization (WHO) Global Data.
• [2] The prevalence and risk factors for cataract in rural and urban India. PMC – PubMed Central.
• [3] Cataract Statistics & Resources. Laser Eye Surgery Hub.
• [4] Global Prevalence and Burden Data.
• [5] UK Cataract Surgery Success Rates and Statistics. NHS/Private Clinic Data.
• [6] Current status of cataract blindness and Vision 2020: The right to sight initiative in India. PMC.
• [7] Record 83.4 lakh cataract surgeries executed in 2022-2023: Government. Times of India.
Suggested Reading:
• National Health Service (NHS) – Cataracts Overview.
• The Royal College of Ophthalmologists Patient Information.
• Information provided by your surgeon on your specific Intraocular Lens (IOL) type.
Disclaimer: This leaflet is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.