Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery removes the eye's natural lens once it has become cloudy (a cataract) and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens. It is one of the most common and successful operations in medicine, performed as a quick day-case procedure under local anesthesia to restore clear vision lost to clouding of the lens.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens that develops gradually, usually with age, causing blurred, dim or hazy vision and glare. Surgery is the only effective treatment. The cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound (phacoemulsification) through a tiny incision and removed, and a clear artificial intraocular lens is placed in its position. The incision is so small it usually heals without stitches.
A key choice is the intraocular lens itself. Standard monofocal lenses give clear vision at one distance — usually far, with glasses for reading — while premium lenses can reduce or remove the need for glasses: multifocal and trifocal lenses provide far, intermediate and near vision, and toric lenses also correct astigmatism. Your ophthalmologist explains which lens suits your eyes, lifestyle and budget during the assessment. The procedure is quick and, for most people, painless, with vision improving within days.
Cataract surgery is a routine procedure for international patients, and the coordinator arranges the assessment, surgery and follow-up around your travel. Reports can be reviewed first, and where both eyes need treatment, the timing is planned with you.
Who is a candidate?
- People with a cataract causing blurred, dim or hazy vision or troublesome glare
- Those whose vision affects daily activities such as reading, driving or working
- Patients whose glasses no longer correct the problem because the lens itself is clouded
- People in good general eye health aside from the cataract, as confirmed at assessment
- Those wishing to discuss lens options that may reduce dependence on glasses
What happens
- 1
Eye assessment
A detailed eye examination confirms the cataract, measures the eye, and helps you and your ophthalmologist choose the right type of intraocular lens.
- 2
Preparation
On the day, eye drops dilate the pupil and local anesthetic numbs the eye. The procedure is done while you are awake but comfortable, with no need for general anesthesia.
- 3
The procedure
Through a tiny incision, the surgeon uses ultrasound to break up and remove the cloudy lens, then places a clear artificial lens in its position. It usually takes under half an hour.
- 4
Same-day discharge
You go home the same day, usually with a protective shield over the eye and eye drops to use for a short period as it heals.
- 5
Recovery and follow-up
Vision typically improves within days and settles over a few weeks. A follow-up check confirms healing, and the second eye, if needed, is scheduled with you.
Benefits
- Restores clear vision lost to clouding of the lens
- Quick day-case procedure under local anesthesia — no overnight stay
- Performed through a tiny, usually stitch-free incision
- Lens options can reduce dependence on glasses for some patients
- One of the most common and reliably successful operations in medicine
Risks & considerations
- Temporary blurring, grittiness or watering of the eye as it heals
- Infection or inflammation, which is uncommon and treatable
- Clouding of the membrane behind the lens months or years later, easily treated with a laser
- Occasionally, a need for glasses for some tasks depending on the lens chosen
- Rare but more serious complications, which your ophthalmologist explains beforehand
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Eye Diseases & Laser Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Cataract Surgery — frequently asked questions
No. The eye is numbed with local anesthetic, so the procedure is painless, and you are awake but comfortable throughout. It usually takes under half an hour per eye.
No. Cataract surgery is a day-case procedure. You go home the same day, usually with a protective shield and eye drops to use while the eye heals.
It depends on the intraocular lens chosen. A standard monofocal lens usually gives clear distance vision but you will need glasses for reading. Premium lenses can reduce or remove this need — multifocal and trifocal lenses cover far, intermediate and near, and toric lenses also correct astigmatism. Your ophthalmologist helps you choose the lens that best fits your eyes and lifestyle.
Yes. Share your reports and our specialists provide an independent opinion before you decide on treatment, and the coordinator arranges your assessment, surgery and follow-up around your trip.
Because it is a day case, you only need to stay long enough for the procedure and a follow-up check — often just a few days, or longer if both eyes are treated. Your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate that includes the lens, rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering cataract surgery?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.