Surgery

My approach to cataract surgery makes it likely that you will only need to come to the hospital once, for the surgery itself.

My approach
About cataract surgery
Risks and benefits

Simple and straightforward surgery

I work hard to make your experience of cataract surgery as simple and as straightforward as possible. With that goal in mind, I have pioneered an approach to assess you for cataract surgery without you needing to attend a clinic (enVoi). This means less travel, less disruption to your life and that of your family, and reduced waiting times between referrals for cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery procedure steps

Step 1: Referral

Referral from an optometrist

You can arrange a face to face appointment with me directly by filling in the contact form - my secretary will get in touch with you within a day or two to arrange an appointment.

If you would prefer a telephone or video appointment, your optometrist can refer you to me either by letter, email or through the enVoi app.
Step 2: Surgery

The day of surgery

On the day of surgery I examine your eyes before I start, just to confirm that the decision to operate is the correct one. I also undertake some measurements of your eyes so that I can choose the correct artificial lens to implant and give you clear vision.

In some cases we may decide, during the telephone or video consultation, that it would be prudent to meet at the clinic before surgery. You will not be charged for this visit if it is necessary for me to examine you before planning surgery. Of course, you are welcome to request a face-to-face meeting at any point prior to surgery.
Step 3: Postoperative checks

The day of surgery

Postoperative checks are carried out by community optometrists and I always call you two weeks after surgery to check that everything is okay. Again, you are very welcome to request a review at the clinic if you prefer.

Would cataract surgery help me?

Our symptom checker will help to identify the issues which are troubling you and what can be done to improve your eyesight.

Check your symptoms

About cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the UK and can be an effective way to improve your eyesight
The surgery is carried out through two or three tiny incisions in the front of the eye and uses ultrasound to remove the cloudy lens (cataract), before replacing it with a clear plastic lens

How long does cataract surgery take?

The operation usually takes less than ten minutes and is carried out as a day- case procedure, so you can go home shortly afterwards

What happens in cataract surgery?

Topical anaesthetic for cataract surgery

I carry out all cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia — the surgery takes less than ten minutes.

Firstly, I use drops to numb your eye, making the procedure pain-free. I prefer drops to injections as your eye will feel more comfortable, and be less red, immediately after surgery.

Advantages of using topical anaesthesia as sedation for cataract surgery:

faster surgery
faster recovery
no eye shield required
rapid recovery of vision
no double vision after surgery
white eye after surgery

Cataract surgery recovery is usually very fast. You may well be able to see more clearly as soon as your surgery is complete, although it can take a few days for your vision to settle.

I am happy to consider operating on both eyes on the same day if it is necessary and suitable for you. This would follow a discussion between us, covering the risks and benefits.

Surgical outcomes

I use premium monofocal lenses from J & J and Rayner. These lenses provide you with excellent distance and intermediate vision. I also offer Toric lenses to correct astigmatism where it has become a problem.

I carry out a continuous audit of surgical outcomes, demonstrating consistently high quality and safe procedures.

Risks and benefits

Cataract surgery is generally very safe and the potential benefits are significant.

Potential benefits of cataract surgery

Clearer vision

Regain driving and independence

Potential for glasses free vision

Potential risks and complications of cataract surgery

However, like all operations, it does come with some risks.

Any complications or problems during surgery could have an adverse effect on your sight. All operations carry the risk of complications and it is very important that you understand them fully before deciding to go ahead.

The risks relating to cataract surgery can be split into four types:

Risks relating to anaesthetic

Risks relating to anaesthetic

Topical anaesthesia (drops) work very well for cataract surgery. However, you may feel some sensations during surgery including pressure, mild stinging or movement of your eye.

For these reasons I don’t use injected anesthesia (including sub-Tenon's blocks) which can cause bruising of your eye and eyelid skin, a feeling of pressure during administration of the anaesthetic, double-vision after surgery (temporary) or reduced vision after surgery (temporary).
Infection

Infection

Any type of surgery carries the risk of introducing infection. Ophthalmologists work very hard to reduce this risk as much as possible, but the consequences of infection after cataract surgery can be profound in terms of your long-term vision. This is particularly relevant if you are considering having surgery on both eyes at the same time; whilst the risk of infection is very small, the implications of infection occurring in both eyes could be profound.
Surgical complications

Surgical complications

Most cataract surgery proceeds very smoothly. Nevertheless, like any other surgery, there are many potential issues that can arise. This is why you must ensure that your surgeon is experienced, capable and supported by a competent and experienced team. The consequences of complications during surgery are varied—from a slightly longer operation than expected with no effects on your eyesight, to further surgery and potentially reduced vision for the rest of your life. The chances of this type of complication occurring are tiny, but not impossible.
Refractive surprise

Refractive surprise

During the cataract operation I remove your cloudy cataract and then replace it with a clear, plastic lens that stays with you for the rest of your life. The power of this lens is calculated using measurements taken before surgery. These calculations are usually very accurate and my patients consistently find that their glasses prescription is reduced or that they have no need to wear glasses for the distance at all. However, from time to time, patients may find that they need glasses to fine tune their vision for driving and other visually demanding tasks at distance. I always reinforce to patients that they will need glasses for reading and close tasks.

In summary, even though the possibility of losing your sight is very small, it does exist. You may also be more aware of other symptoms after surgery such as floaters, glare, gritty discomfort or watering eye. Therefore, it is very important that you only have surgery when you feel that the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

What you can expect

I will always do my best to provide the following:

an initial consultation at your convenience

a telephone or video consultation where possible

high-quality, secure discussions involving your family members if needed

surgery within a month of your consultation

surgery at a convenient location to you

your choice of lens

competitive pricing

carbon offsetting

Patient Testimonials

I am a very experienced cataract surgeon achieving excellent patient satisfaction

Sam is a first class professional in his field - totally honest and trustworthy.

Friendly, thorough, professional while being very clear in explaining his findings and in giving advice. I have been delighted with the outcome of my visit, and would have no hesitation in recommending Mr Evans to other prospective patients.

Excellent advice, attention, information, given with kindness and consideration.

Consultation very clear and helpful. Mr Evans was most approachable, friendly and informative. I felt he listened to my concerns and worries and took time and care to help me make decisions about the next step.

Everything went ok and my sight is now as good as it has ever been.

Even though the lenses I had before were good, these were a step up on that... quite remarkable.

Thank you so much for your care and kindness. You were brilliant. It was an amazing procedure and it means so much to me to have my sight back at last.

Just a quick note to say a huge thank you for everything you did. Your manner is second to none and I can’t thank you enough for putting me at ease during the procedure. My vision now is so much better—my son says I can see too much now!

I am extremely grateful to you for your kindness last Friday when you operated on my cataract. My nervousness proved to be so unnecessary as it was painless and very swift. My grateful thanks for all you did.

To Mr. Sam Evans, brilliant eye surgeon. I just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to you and your wonderful team for my life-changing eye operations. For many years I have struggled with poor vision and thanks to you my quality of life will be transformed.