July 22, 2025
Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions in Canada, affecting more than 2.5 million Canadians. The good news is that cataract surgery is also one of the safest and most frequently performed surgical procedures in the country. If your optometrist has recommended surgery or you suspect your vision is being affected by cataracts, here is everything you need to know about what lies ahead.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract forms when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This lens, located behind the iris and pupil, focuses light onto the retina to produce clear images. Over time, proteins in the lens break down and clump together, creating a clouded area that scatters light and blurs your vision. Cataracts develop gradually, and many people do not notice the early stages.
Common symptoms include blurry or hazy vision, increased sensitivity to glare, difficulty seeing at night, faded colours, and frequent changes to your eyeglass prescription. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam can determine whether cataracts are the cause.
While aging is the primary cause, genetics also play a role in how early cataracts develop. Other risk factors include diabetes, prolonged UV exposure, smoking, and certain medications like corticosteroids.
When Is Surgery Recommended?
Cataracts do not always require immediate surgery. In the early stages, updating your eyeglass prescription may be enough to maintain functional vision. Your optometrist will monitor the progression over time and recommend surgery when the cataract begins to interfere significantly with your daily activities such as driving, reading, or working.
In Alberta, cataract surgery is covered by Alberta Health Care when deemed medically necessary. Your optometrist will provide a referral to an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) when the time is right. The wait time between referral and surgery varies by region but typically ranges from several weeks to a few months.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery
Pre-Operative Assessment
Before surgery, you will have a detailed assessment where the ophthalmologist measures your eye to determine the correct power of the intraocular lens (IOL) that will replace your clouded natural lens. This involves ultrasound measurements of the eye's length and corneal curvature. You will also discuss IOL options, which can range from standard monofocal lenses to premium multifocal or toric lenses that correct astigmatism.
The Week Before
Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to start a few days before the procedure. You will be given specific instructions about which medications to continue or stop. Blood thinners, for instance, may need to be paused with your doctor's approval. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgical centre, as you will not be able to drive yourself home afterward.
The Day Of
On the day of surgery, you will typically be asked to fast for several hours beforehand. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and leave jewellery at home. Avoid wearing any eye makeup, perfume, or aftershave. Arrive at the designated time, which is usually well before your scheduled procedure to allow for preparation.
The Procedure Itself
Cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. The entire process, from arrival to discharge, usually takes two to three hours, though the surgery itself lasts only about 15 to 20 minutes per eye.
Here is what happens during the surgery:
- Anaesthesia: You will receive numbing eye drops and possibly a mild sedative to help you relax. You remain awake throughout but will feel no pain.
- Incision: The surgeon makes a tiny incision (about 2 to 3 millimetres) at the edge of the cornea.
- Lens removal: Using a technique called phacoemulsification, the surgeon inserts a small probe that emits ultrasound waves to break the clouded lens into fragments, which are then gently suctioned out.
- IOL insertion: The new artificial lens is folded, inserted through the same small incision, and positioned where the natural lens was. It unfolds into place and requires no stitches to secure.
- Closure: The incision is self-sealing in most cases, requiring no stitches.
If both eyes need surgery, they are typically done on separate days, usually two to four weeks apart, to allow the first eye to heal before operating on the second.
Recovery: What to Expect
First 24 Hours
You may experience mild discomfort, itching, or a gritty sensation in the operated eye. Your vision may be blurry initially as your eye adjusts to the new lens. A protective shield will be placed over the eye, which you should wear while sleeping for the first week to prevent accidental rubbing.
First Week
Most people notice a significant improvement in vision within the first few days. You will use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops several times daily. Avoid rubbing your eye, bending over, lifting heavy objects, or getting water directly in the eye. Light activities like walking and watching television are generally fine.
Weeks Two Through Four
Vision continues to stabilize. Most people can return to driving within a week or two, provided their vision meets the legal standard. Your surgeon will advise when it is safe to resume exercise, swimming, and other physical activities.
Final Assessment
A follow-up appointment with your optometrist, usually four to six weeks after surgery, will assess your healing and determine if you need a new eyeglass prescription. Even with an IOL, many patients still benefit from glasses for reading or fine detail work. This is an excellent time to explore updated progressive lenses if you need correction at multiple distances.
Life After Cataract Surgery
The results of cataract surgery are typically excellent. Most patients report dramatically improved clarity, brighter colours, and better contrast. The artificial lens is permanent and does not degrade over time, so cataracts cannot return in the treated eye.
However, about 20% of patients develop a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) months or years after surgery, where the membrane behind the IOL becomes cloudy. This is easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure called a YAG capsulotomy.
After surgery, protecting your eyes from UV exposure remains important. Quality sunglasses from brands like Maui Jim or Ray-Ban provide essential UV protection and reduce glare, which can be especially noticeable in the period after surgery. Visit our optical shop to browse our full collection of over 2,000 frames.
Schedule Your Eye Exam
Whether you are concerned about cataracts, managing post-surgical vision changes, or simply due for a routine check-up, the team at Fantastic Glasses in Okotoks, Alberta, is here to help. We offer a free Essilor R800 eye test with every eyewear purchase and carry an extensive selection of frames and lenses to suit your needs. Book your appointment online or call us at (587) 997-3937.