Cataract surgery is a common surgical procedure performed to remove a cloudy lens (cataract) from the eye and replace it with an artificial lens implant, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, glare, difficulty seeing in low light conditions, and other visual disturbances. Cataract surgery aims to restore clear vision and improve overall visual function.

Before undergoing cataract surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist to assess the severity of their cataracts, determine their overall eye health, and evaluate their visual acuity. This evaluation may include measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal thickness, and ocular surface assessment. This step can be done remote and patients just need to provide information and he or she will receive a quote.

During the pre-operative evaluation, the patient and surgeon discuss the options for intraocular lens implants. There are various types of IOLs available, including monofocal, multifocal, toric, and accommodating lenses. The choice of IOL depends on factors such as the patient's visual needs, lifestyle, and degree of astigmatism.Prior to surgery, patients receive instructions from their surgeon regarding pre-operative preparations. These instructions may include guidelines on discontinuing certain medications, such as blood thinners, before surgery, fasting prior to the procedure, and using prescribed eye drops to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation.

Cataract surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, which may be administered as eye drops, injections around the eye, or through intravenous sedation. General anesthesia is rarely used for cataract surgery but may be recommended for patients who are unable to cooperate or have medical conditions that preclude local anesthesia.

Surgical technique: Cataract surgery is typically performed using a microsurgical technique called phacoemulsification. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea or sclera and inserts a tiny probe that emits ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens into small fragments. The fragments are then suctioned out of the eye, and the capsular bag that holds the lens is cleaned to prepare for the insertion of the new IOL. Once the natural lens is removed, the surgeon implants the selected intraocular lens into the capsular bag. The IOL is carefully positioned to provide optimal vision correction, taking into account factors such as the patient's refractive error and astigmatism. Some IOLs may be foldable or injectable, allowing for insertion through smaller incisions.

Cataract surgery is considered a safe and highly successful procedure with a low risk of complications. The vast majority of patients experience significant improvement in vision and quality of life following cataract surgery, allowing them to resume their daily activities with clarity and confidence. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with cataract surgery, including infection, inflammation, bleeding, retinal detachment, and posterior capsule opacification (clouding of the lens capsule). It's essential for patients to discuss their individual risks and benefits with their surgeon and make informed decisions about their treatment options. It is mainly the country where it is performed that will affect the cost of your cataract surgery.

Ireland covers all types of treatments though with a small healthcare system concentrated in large clinics and hospitals. Bariatric surgery like gastric balloon or plastic surgery are the main treatments sought in Ireland.