The operation that brings the world back into focus.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is the gradual clouding of the crystalline lens, the eye's natural lens. It is usually related to ageing, although it can also follow an injury, certain diseases (such as diabetes), medication (long-term steroids), or be present from birth.

Treatment is always surgical. No eye drops or glasses can cure it: the only way to remove a cataract is to replace the cloudy lens with a clear intraocular lens.

What are the symptoms?

• Gradually blurred vision, "like looking through a dirty window".
• Glare from lights, especially when driving at night.
• Frequent changes in your glasses prescription.
• Faded or yellowish colours.
• Difficulty reading in dim light.

Phacoemulsification: the standard technique

Phacoemulsification is today's technique of choice. Through micro-incisions of about 2 mm, an ultrasound probe breaks up and removes the cloudy lens. A foldable intraocular lens is then implanted exactly where the natural lens used to be.

The operation usually takes 15 to 25 minutes, is performed under topical anaesthesia (eye drops) and as day surgery, with no overnight hospital stay.

Types of intraocular lens

Monofocal lens

Gives sharp vision at one distance (usually far). It is the standard lens in most operations. Afterwards, reading glasses are usually still needed.

Toric lens

Also corrects astigmatism, improving the quality of vision without glasses at the chosen distance (far or near).

Multifocal or trifocal lens

Gives good distance, intermediate (screens) and near vision, greatly reducing dependence on glasses. It requires careful patient selection and realistic expectations, as halos around lights at night are possible.

EDOF lens (extended depth of focus)

An intermediate option, with very good distance and intermediate vision and fewer halos than traditional multifocal lenses.

When is the right time to operate?

People used to say "wait until the cataract is ripe". That idea is out of date: surgery is recommended when the cataract starts to affect your quality of life (driving, reading, working, watching TV) and glasses no longer compensate. Waiting too long can make surgery more complex and slow down visual recovery.

Recovery

Visual recovery is usually fast: within 24–48 hours most patients already see clearly. For the first few weeks you use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops following a schedule. Strenuous exercise and getting water directly in the eye should be avoided for a few days. Usual check-ups are at 24 hours, one week, one month and 3–6 months.

Coming from abroad

If you live outside Spain, the process is planned so that you travel only once you know exactly what will be done:

• Before travelling: an online consultation to review your reports, discuss lens options and give you a personalised quote.
• In Santander: a full pre-operative assessment with biometry, the surgery as day case and the next-day check-up. Your exact stay depends on your case and is confirmed in advance.
• Back home: later check-ups can be done with your local optometrist or ophthalmologist, and I stay available online.

Read more on the page for international patients.

Frequently asked questions