The most common treatment for cataracts is an operation to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial replacement. This treatment is quick, and can greatly improve vision.

Surgery is the only effective way of removing the cloudy lens. It cannot, for instance, be removed by laser, change in diet, or pills. In some parts of the world it is possible to buy pills to help prevent cataracts, but there is no proof that these work.

You will be given an appointment shortly before your operation, when a nurse in the outpatients department will carry out special tests to measure your eye. One of these is a test called 'biometry' which helps decide the strength of lens that will replace the cloudy lens in your eye. The nurse will organise any tests for your general health, to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery, such as blood tests and electrocardiograph (ECG).

If you have cataract developing in both eyes, you will not have treatment to both eyes at the same time. It is common for cataract to develop more quickly in one eye than the other, and usually, the more seriously affected eye is operated on first, although the timing of an operation is decided by the ophthalmologist.

Usually you will be given anaesthetic drops on your eyes to make them numb, and you will be awake throughout the operation. Over 90% of all cataract surgery performed in the UK is now done under local anaesthetic.

The operation usually takes about half an hour. Your surgeon will remove the cloudy lens by making a tiny opening into the eye at the edge of the cornea. Through this, the surgeon will remove the cloudy lens and insert a clear plastic implant lens, which will allow you to see again.

Most operations for cataract are performed on a day care basis. This means that you are admitted to hospital, have your operation and are discharged home all in the same day.

• Other sources of information about Cataracts
• Further information about our consultants