The cataract operation is the most performed surgery in the world and in France, with nearly 700 operations each year. It is a quick and low-risk operation that restores vision by placing an artificial implant in the eye.

Cataract surgery is surgery to remove the lens from the eye affected by the disease and, in most cases, replace it with an artificial lens.

Normally, the lens (lens of the eye) is clear and transparent. This lens thus allows the passage of light towards the retina, which acts as a screen and allows vision. When cataracts develop, the lens becomes opaque and this affects eyesight. It is a common disease that affects more than one in five people from the age of 65 and almost two in three after the age of 85.

If the disease is too advanced and makes daily life and normal activities difficult, the doctor may suggest surgery. Cataract surgery is the only way to properly restore vision once the disease has set in.

Cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist. It is a quick procedure that usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes under local anesthesia, which means the patient is awake during the procedure.

During the operation, the surgeon will make a small cut (incision) in the eye so that the affected lens can be removed. After he takes it off, he places a small plastic lens called an intraocular implant.

If both eyes are affected, two separate operations will be necessary and will be performed a few weeks apart. This makes it possible to regain normal vision in the first eye operated on before the second operation.

In some cases, the doctor may suggest laser assisted surgery. This is the case, for example, when it seeks to correct astigmatism at the same time as removing the cataract. In this case, the incision of the bag containing the lens is made with a laser.

Generally, a cataract operation is an outpatient procedure. That is, the patient can go home during the day. However, it is preferable to arrange for an accompanying person to be present because the operated eye will be covered with a bandage and this may interfere with the overall vision depending on the condition of the other eye. In most cases, the operation allows excellent vision recovery the day after the operation or within a few days. The patient can then resume his usual daily life.

After surgery, the artificial lens becomes part of the eye and does not require additional treatment or special care. However, it is likely that you will experience eye discomfort after the procedure and local anti-inflammatory treatment will be required for a few weeks.

Complications after surgery are rare. If you experience increased pain or decreased vision in the days and weeks that follow, you should contact your doctor or go to the hospital.

The risk of complications is greater if there is another eye disease or a related serious disease, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. In this case, the cataract operation may not improve vision.