Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts

The most common forms are nuclear cataract, cortical cataract, and posterior subcapsular cataract. They differ in the area of the lens affected, their predominant symptoms, and their rate of progression.

The nuclear form often causes progressive myopic shift and difficulty with distance vision. The cortical form is more likely to produce halos and glare. The posterior subcapsular form rapidly impairs reading and night driving.

The natural aging of the lens cannot be entirely prevented. However, it is sometimes possible to delay the onset or progression of cataracts by limiting certain modifiable risk factors.

The most useful measures include UV sun protection, smoking cessation, good glycemic control in diabetes, and monitoring of long-term corticosteroid treatments.

A femtosecond laser can assist with certain preliminary steps of the procedure, but it does not replace the ultrasound energy of phacoemulsification, which remains necessary to aspirate the fragmented lens. Phacoemulsification remains the worldwide gold-standard technique. Laser-assisted surgery has not demonstrated clinical superiority over standard phaco in large-scale studies.

Yes, and it is often an opportunity to correct a significant portion of the myopia through implant selection. Very long eyes (axial length > 26 mm) require specific biometric formulas to avoid postoperative refractive error. In addition, high myopia is associated with a slightly increased risk of retinal detachment, which is discussed during the consultation.

Yes, and it may even be essential when the cataract threatens the vision of the only functional eye. The surgical technique remains identical, but the decision-making process is more rigorous: the benefit-risk balance is analyzed with particular care, and the pre-operative consultation is more thorough.

The surgeon is aware that any complication, however rare, may have major functional consequences on the patient's quality of life. Prior information and informed consent are therefore of paramount importance here. Coordination with other specialists may also be considered depending on the clinical context.

No. The procedure is performed under topical anesthesia (anesthetic eye drops), with no injections or general anesthesia. You may feel a slight sensation of pressure or bright light, but no pain. Mild discomfort or tearing in the hours following surgery is possible.

The cataract surgery itself takes an average of 8 minutes per eye. Including preparation and post-operative monitoring, the time spent at the clinic is approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Yes. A 6-hour fast is required before the procedure. Your surgeon will provide precise instructions during the pre-operative consultation.

No, it is not mandatory. Surgery is based on medical and functional indication: if only one eye is affected, or if the cataract in the second eye does not yet impair vision, there is no requirement to operate on it. Many patients have only one eye treated and are entirely satisfied with the outcome.

When both eyes have a significant cataract, your surgeon will generally recommend operating on them a few weeks apart. A large refractive imbalance between the two eyes — particularly if the implant corrects myopia or hyperopia on one side — can become uncomfortable in daily life. The decision is always made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account your visual acuity, needs, and refractive goals.

Driving is subject to a legal requirement of a minimum binocular visual acuity of 20/40 (5/10). If cataracts reduce vision below this threshold, driving becomes prohibited. Only an ophthalmologic examination can determine this. If in doubt, caution dictates not waiting until surgery to have a proper assessment.

Yes. Wearers of rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses must remove them at least two weeks before biometry, as they temporarily alter corneal curvature. For soft lenses, three days is sufficient. Biometry performed while lenses are being worn can distort the implant power calculation and compromise the refractive outcome.

Yes, but implant power calculation is less precise. Standard biometric formulas systematically underestimate the required power in patients who have undergone corneal refractive surgery. Post-refractive specific formulas (Barrett True K, Kane post-refractive) are essential.

Yes, and it is often beneficial. Cataract surgery frequently produces a moderate reduction in intraocular pressure, which can help stabilize glaucoma. It does not replace glaucoma treatment, but both conditions can be managed jointly. The optic nerve status and visual field are evaluated before any decision is made.

Diabetes does not contraindicate surgery, but certain precautions are required. Poor glycemic control can slow wound healing and increase the risk of infection. In cases of associated diabetic retinopathy, visual recovery may be limited regardless of the surgical outcome. A pre-operative retinal assessment is routine.

The patient perceives an intense red-orange light from the operating microscope. They cannot see the surgical instruments and do not perceive any clear images. Some patients describe a slight sensation of pressure or intense light, but the procedure is completely painless.

Yes. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia using eye drops, without general anesthesia. You remain conscious, lying down, and relaxed. A mild anxiolytic is sometimes offered as premedication if you are particularly anxious. The surgeon communicates with you throughout the procedure to inform you of each step.

A retractor (speculum) keeps the eyelids open, preventing involuntary blinking. It is entirely normal for the eye to move slightly: the surgeon anticipates these micro-movements. In the event of a more abrupt movement, he pauses briefly before resuming. No forcible restraint is necessary.

The phacoemulsification machine produces a gentle continuous hum during lens fragmentation. You may feel a slight vibration or a cool sensation from the continuous irrigation. These perceptions are normal and harmless. The surgical team will inform you before each important step.

Driving may be resumed as early as the day after surgery if vision is deemed adequate by the surgeon at the post-operative check-up. It is essential not to drive on the day of the procedure.

Light activities (walking, stationary cycling) are possible from day 2 onwards. Swimming and contact sports should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks to prevent any risk of infection or ocular trauma.

For office or screen-based work, return is often possible from day 2 or day 3. For work in dusty environments or physically demanding jobs, a leave of 1 to 2 weeks may be recommended.

The implant itself does not become cloudy. However, in 20 to 30% of cases, the posterior capsule on which the implant rests can gradually opacify: this is known as posterior capsule opacification (secondary cataract). It is easily and painlessly treated in a few minutes with a YAG laser, as an outpatient procedure.

This depends on the type of implant chosen. With a monofocal implant, glasses are often still needed for certain distances. With a multifocal or EDOF implant, dependence on glasses is greatly reduced, or even eliminated for many patients.

The shield is placed at the end of the procedure and kept in place until the post-operative check-up the following morning. After this check-up, it is no longer necessary during the day. It may be useful at night for a few additional days to prevent inadvertently rubbing the eye during sleep.

Eye and eyelid makeup is not recommended for at least two to three weeks after surgery due to the risk of infection. General facial makeup outside the ocular area is possible from the day after surgery, with care.