Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implants
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. It is a common part of ageing, but it can also follow diabetes, steroid use, injury or other eye conditions. Typical signs are blurred or dim vision, glare from car headlights, faded colours and frequent changes in glasses.
Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens, IOL). Our team treats routine cases and more complex ones, such as dense cataracts or eyes with previous surgery or corneal disease.
Who it's for
- People whose cataract affects daily activities such as reading, driving or work. Surgery is usually recommended based on your symptoms, not only on how the cataract looks.
- People with a cataract plus another eye condition (for example corneal disease, previous refractive surgery or a weak lens support), after a careful assessment.
- Those who also want to reduce their dependence on glasses may discuss multifocal or EDOF lens options.
Lens options
- Monofocal lenses: clear vision at one main distance, usually far; glasses are typically needed for reading.
- Multifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses: may reduce dependence on glasses at more distances. They can cause glare, halos or reduced contrast in some people and are not suitable for every eye.
- Toric lenses (for astigmatism): toric versions of monofocal, multifocal and EDOF lenses may be available to correct astigmatism. Toric is a feature that can be added to these lens designs, not a separate category.
- Monofocal, multifocal and EDOF lenses are offered. Your surgeon will help you choose based on your eyes, measurements and daily needs.
How it works
- Assessment: a full eye examination and precise measurements of the eye to calculate the lens power. Previous laser surgery must be mentioned, because it affects the calculation.
- Surgery: usually performed under local anaesthesia (numbing drops, sometimes with an injection or light sedation). The cloudy lens is broken up with ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and removed through small incisions that usually do not need stitches, and the new lens is placed inside.
- The timing of surgery on the second eye is decided individually, based on your case and your surgeon's plan.
Recovery
- You go home the same day with a protective shield. Vision often starts to improve within a few days, while full recovery takes a few weeks.
- Use your eye drops as instructed by your surgeon. Glasses may be updated once the eye has settled.
- Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming and getting water in the eye for the period advised.
- If you develop increasing pain, worsening vision or increasing redness, seek urgent assessment the same day: call the clinic, and if you cannot reach us promptly, go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a reply to a WhatsApp message.
- Months or years later, the membrane behind the lens can become cloudy (posterior capsule opacification). It is treated with a quick laser procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Does the cataract need to be "ripe" before surgery?
No. Modern surgery does not require waiting for the cataract to mature. The right time is when it affects your daily life, as discussed with your doctor.
Can the cataract come back?
No, the natural lens is removed. However, the membrane behind the new lens can become cloudy later, and this is treated with a short laser procedure.
Will I need glasses after surgery?
It depends on the lens you choose and your eye. With monofocal lenses, most people need reading glasses. Multifocal or EDOF lenses may reduce the need for glasses, but results vary.
Is the surgery safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed operations, and most patients see well afterwards. As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, swelling and retinal problems. Your surgeon will explain these with your own eye in mind.
Your care team
- Surgery: Dr. Omar Khaled Al-Duwailah
- Assessment and follow-up: Dr. Omar Khaled Al-Duwailah, with our specialist medical team
Book an appointment
To book a cataract assessment, message us on WhatsApp at +965 2220 4200 or call 22204200. Our team will find a suitable time and explain what the visit involves. The consultation fee is explained when you book. The costs of any tests or procedures are explained to you before they are carried out.
This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and results differ from person to person and will be discussed with you by your doctor.