What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, most often with age. It develops slowly and can affect one or both eyes.
- Blurred, cloudy or dim vision
- Glare and halos around lights, especially when driving at night
- Colours that look faded or yellowish
- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
Surgery is the only effective treatment. It is usually recommended when the cataract starts to affect everyday life, such as reading, driving or work.
How the operation is done
The usual technique is phacoemulsification. Through a tiny incision, the cloudy lens is broken up with ultrasound and removed, and a folded artificial lens (intraocular lens) is placed in the same position.
The operation is normally done under local anaesthetic with eye drops or an injection, so you are awake but feel no pain. It takes about 15–30 minutes. Each eye is operated on separately.
Before surgery, measurements of your eye are taken to choose the right lens power. Your surgeon will explain the lens options, including lenses that correct astigmatism or reduce the need for reading glasses.
Recovery
- You go home the same day; someone else should drive you
- You will use eye drops for a few weeks
- Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming and heavy lifting for the first weeks
- Most people see more clearly within a few days
- New glasses, if needed, are usually prescribed after about 4–6 weeks
Contact us straight away if you have increasing pain, worsening vision or increasing redness after surgery.
Risks
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful operations. Complications are uncommon and include inflammation, raised eye pressure and, rarely, infection or retinal detachment. Months or years later the membrane behind the new lens can become cloudy; this is treated with a quick laser procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the risks with you.
Frequently asked questions
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. The eye is numbed with drops or an injection. You may feel light pressure, and the eye can feel gritty for a few days afterwards.
Can both eyes be operated on the same day?
Usually not. The second eye is normally operated on a few weeks after the first, once it has healed.
When can I drive again?
When your surgeon confirms that your vision meets the legal standard for driving, often within a few days to a few weeks.
Is cataract surgery covered by GESY?
Yes, with a referral from your personal doctor. Private patients can book directly, and we settle directly with affiliated insurance companies.
GESY, insurance and payment
We are part of GESY, the national health system. GESY patients need a referral from their personal doctor; private patients can book directly. We settle directly with affiliated insurance companies, and accept cash, card or bank transfer. More on insurance and payment.
Doctors
- Dr. Achilleos Christos
- Dr. Antoniou Yianna
- Dr. Demosthenous Constantinos
- Dr. Glykeriou Antonis
- Dr. Hadjizadeh Susan
- Dr. Kontovourkis Prodromos
- Dr. Krasia Maria
- Dr. Machattos Andreas
- Dr. Palekythritou-Papakyriakou Stella
- Dr. Papamichael Esther
- Dr. Phylactou Maria
- Dr. Pipis Minas
- Dr. Pipis Spyros
- Dr. Serghiou Menelaos
- Dr. Tryfonides Christos
Book an appointment
Call 22 445555 (24/7) or use the appointment request form and we will call you back.
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