Cataract surgery is a straight-forward and painless procedure, which is typically done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
The surgery involves removing the cloudy lens (the cataract) and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area around the eye, so you’ll be awake but relaxed during the surgery.
Most people recover quickly and see significant improvement in their vision.
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect during your upcoming treatment on our Cataract Fast Track pathway:
The Cataract Assessment Clinic will take place at the new Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre at the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich.
On arrival, you will present yourself to the Verdin House Main Reception, which will be signposted, before being directed around to the surgical centre’s dedicated cataract clinic.
During the Cataract Assessment Clinic you will speak to an experienced ophthalmology nurse, who will obtain a detailed health assessment, as well as providing you with information about the clinic and surgery. A mutually agreed clinic date will be scheduled during this telephone consultation.
The clinic will take place at the new Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre at the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich.
On arrival, you will present yourself to the Verdin House Main Reception, which will be signposted, before being directed around to the surgical centre’s dedicated cataract clinic.
A Clinical Support Worker will then assess your visual acuity and undertake some non-evasive tests, including checking your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, Body Mass Index, and eye pressure.
An experienced ophthalmology nurse will then measure your natural lens. This is in preparation for your consultation with the Consultant Ophthalmologist.
Following this, eye drops will be instilled into your eyes to dilate your pupil so that the Consultant Ophthalmologist can examine the health of your eye.
The consultant may request an additional scan to further assess your retina.
Please ensure you bring a list of your current medication, your glasses, and the printed prescription.
The Consultant Ophthalmologist will perform a detailed eye assessment, confirm surgical intervention, discuss risks, benefits, expected visual outcome, and recovery.
You will have opportunity to ask questions during this consultation.
A surgical date will also be offered at that point.
Your surgery will take place at the new Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre at the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich.
On arrival, you will present yourself to the Verdin House Main Reception, which will be signposted.
You will be met by a nurse, who will confirm your details and re-assess your health in case of any changes since the Cataract Clinic appointment.
In preparation for the surgery, a dilating pellet called a Mydriasert will be inserted into your eye. You will then be taken to the day case area to wait for your allocated surgical time.
Please ensure you bring your current PRN medication, such as asthma inhaler, diabetic medication, and angina spray, as well as walking aids (if required), and contact details for the relative / friend who will be taking you home after the surgery.
When it is time for your surgery, you will be escorted into the anaesthetic room and placed on the surgical trolley, before being transferred into the theatre.
The theatre team, including the consultant who will perform the surgery, will greet you, confirm your identity, ensure you are fully comfortable and ready for the procedure. A dedicated theatre support worker will also be available to sit with you during the surgery in case you need any additional support.
After the surgery, you will return to the day case area, provided with some refreshments, and informed about the post-surgery care, including eye drop regime. After a brief period of recovery, you will be able to leave the day case area and return home.
Do I need to take anything with me?
During your Cataract Clinic please ensure you bring:
- A list of your current medication
- Your glasses
- A printed eyesight prescription
On the day of your surgery, please ensure you bring:
- Your current PRN medication, such as asthma inhaler, diabetic medication, and angina spray
- Walking aids (if required),
- Contact details for the relative / friend who will be taking you home after the surgery.
How long will my pre-operative assessment appointment take?
Approximately two hours. This includes the time (around 45 minutes) to allow your pupils to dilate after being given the eye drops.
Can I drive after my pre-operative assessment?
Dilating the eyes causes blurred vision and sensitivity to light, meaning that you won’t be able to drive to or from your appointment, so it’s important to arrange a lift with someone you know.
