Your cataracts journey

A man smiles as he talks with an optician. She’s also smiling and holds a tablet in one hand.

We’re here for you at every step of your cataracts journey. Whether you think you might have cataracts or have been diagnosed, we offer information to help you feel confident and informed about what happens next.

What does the cataracts journey look like?

This page has a step-by-step guide to the cataracts journey. It covers appointments, people you’ll meet and helpful questions to ask.

Asking questions can help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options and make decisions.

Good to know: this information is a general guide. Your cataract journey might be different. Your appointments might be at a community optician practice, eye hospital or independent hospital or treatment centre providing NHS care. You may also have multiple appointments combined into one, or more appointments (particularly if you have other eye or health conditions).

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Step 1: eye test

Cataracts are often picked up at a routine eye test. The optometrist is trained to spot the signs of cataracts. They can assess your cataracts and check how they affect your vision.

Your optometrist can help you decide when you need and want to be referred for cataract surgery. This is usually when your cataracts are affecting your everyday life and your sight can’t be improved with glasses. The treatment for cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor), but you will usually see different members of their clinical team before and after the surgery.

If your cataracts aren’t affecting your sight, or you don’t want to be referred for surgery, the optometrist can monitor your cataracts at regular eye tests.

Book an eye test if you think you have symptoms of cataracts. Most people should have a routine eye test at least every 2 years.

Questions to ask your optometrist:

Is the cataract the cause of my symptoms?
What are my options? Monitor or treat?
Can I continue to drive?
What happens if I choose not to have cataract surgery now?

If you’re being referred:

Where am I being referred to?
How long will it take for an appointment?

Step 2: pre-op assessment

Before your surgery, you’ll have a pre-op assessment appointment. Part of this assessment will be in person at the cataract clinic and part may be done as a video or telephone call.

The pre-op appointment will check that your general health and eye health is good enough for surgery. You’ll also have tests including measurements of the eye, discussion of lens options, and an explanation of what happens during surgery. The assessment is your opportunity to find out more about surgery and ask questions about the risks, benefits and recovery.

Questions to ask:

Am I a good candidate for this type of cataract surgery? Why or why not?
Will surgery make my sight better?
What type of lens will be used in the surgery?
What should I expect during the surgery and recovery process?
Will I need to take any time off work?
Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before the surgery?
If I need drops afterwards is there any help to manage these?
Will I need glasses?
Will my prescription change?
What will happen on the day of surgery?
What should I bring with me on surgery day?
What will happen during the surgery?
Who will carry out the surgery?
How long will it take?
Is it going to hurt?
Will I be awake for it? And do I have a choice?
Will I be able to see anything during the surgery?
What’s the recovery process like, and how long will it take?
What will my sight be like afterwards?
Will other eye problems or health conditions affect my cataract surgery?
What are the benefits, risks and possible complications of cataract surgery?
How should I prepare for the surgery?
Will I need additional tests before surgery?
Will any of my medications interfere with the surgery in any way?
Can I get any help with care after surgery?

Step 3: surgery day

You should probably plan to be at the clinic for half of the day of your surgery. Your clinic will tell you when to arrive and when you can expect to leave.

On the day of surgery, a member of the clinical team will tell you what will happen. You will normally be seen by the nursing team first, then by the ophthalmologist who will do the operation.

Questions to ask

How do I care for my eye when I get home?
Will I need drops after the surgery? If so how and when do I need to use my eye drops or medication?
What symptoms do I need to watch out for that may indicate complications?
When will my post-op appointment be?
Are there any activities I need to avoid?
How long will it take for my vision to fully recover?

Step 4: post-surgery checkup

After cataract surgery, you’ll need at least one post-surgery appointment to check your eye is healing well and assess the outcome of the surgery.

These appointments may include examinations to check for complications, such as infection or inflammation, and to measure visual acuity.

After your operation your clinical team will advise you when and how you will be reviewed. This may be a follow up appointment with the cataract clinic or with an optometrist (optician) in the community. The follow up appointment will be around 4-6 weeks after surgery. If you have any concerns about your eye before then, it’s important to contact your cataract clinic straight away. You will be given a number to contact if you have any concerns after your surgery.

Questions to ask