Cataract surgery | Dr Samson Olori – Paediatric Surgeon Abuja, Nigeria

What is a cataract?

A cataract is clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which normally focuses light onto the retina so you can see clearly. With a cataract, vision becomes blurry, hazy, or less colourful—like looking through a foggy or dusty window. Most cataracts are age-related (the lens tissue changes over time); other causes include trauma, certain medications (e.g. long-term steroids), diabetes, and other eye diseases. The only way to remove a cataract is surgery. Your ophthalmologist will recommend surgery when the cataract is affecting activities you need or want to do (e.g. reading, driving, recognising faces).

What happens during cataract surgery?

The cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens, IOL). The most common technique is phacoemulsification: small incisions are made near the cornea, an ultrasound probe breaks up the lens, and it is suctioned out before the new lens is inserted. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia (drops or injection around the eye); you are awake but should not feel pain. It often takes 30–45 minutes and is commonly done as a day case. The incisions usually seal without stitches. A shield is placed over the eye to protect it while it heals.

Diagnosis and when to have surgery

Cataracts are detected during a routine eye examination. Your ophthalmologist will check your vision, examine the lens with a slit lamp, and may dilate your pupils to see the back of the eye and rule out other conditions. Surgery is recommended when the cataract is affecting your daily life—for example reading, driving, watching television, or recognising faces—or when it is making it harder to examine or treat other eye problems (e.g. diabetic retinopathy). There is no need to wait until the cataract is “ripe”; modern surgery can be done at any stage when you and your doctor agree the time is right.

Recovery and prevention

Many people notice improved vision within days; full stabilisation can take a few weeks. You will use eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation and may need to avoid rubbing the eye, heavy lifting, and swimming for a short period. Cataracts cannot be reversed without surgery, but you may reduce the risk of developing or worsening them by having regular eye exams, not smoking, managing conditions such as diabetes, wearing sunglasses that block UV light, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. We can refer you to an ophthalmologist for assessment and surgery.

Frequently asked questions

Is cataract surgery painful?
The operation is done under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during it. Some mild discomfort or itching afterward is common and can be managed with prescribed drops or pain relief.
Can cataracts come back?
The removed lens does not grow back. In some people the capsule that holds the new lens can later become cloudy (posterior capsule opacification), which can be treated with a quick laser procedure (YAG capsulotomy).
How long until I can drive and work?
Your ophthalmologist will advise based on your vision and the type of work you do. Many people can resume normal activities within a few days to a couple of weeks.
When is the right time for cataract surgery?
Surgery is recommended when the cataract is affecting your quality of life or your ability to do things you need or want to do. You do not have to wait until vision is very poor; your ophthalmologist will help you decide the best timing.