Cataract Surgery at LERC Dubai
Modern phacoemulsification cataract surgery with monofocal IOL. ~20 minutes per eye, optimum vision typically by 4–6 weeks.
- From
- AED 6,997
- Consultation
- AED 200
What cataract surgery is
What is it?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural crystalline lens of the eye. There is no non-surgical treatment for cataract — the only way to restore clarity is to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear synthetic intraocular lens (IOL).
How it works
Modern cataract surgery uses phacoemulsification: an ultrasound probe gently breaks the cloudy lens into very small pieces inside the eye, the pieces are suctioned out, and a folded artificial IOL is inserted through the same small incision. The IOL unfolds inside the eye and stays there permanently.
Why have cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is not elective in the way that refractive surgery is — when cataract is impairing daily life, removal is the only restorative option.
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01Restored sight
Most patients see clearer than they have in years.
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02Same-day discharge
Performed under local anesthetic. Home the same day with a companion.
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03Local anesthetic only
Topical anesthetic with optional IV sedation. You stay awake; the procedure does not cause pain. You may experience itching or mild discomfort for one to two days afterwards.
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04Quick visual return
Sight typically returns within hours; vision continues improving over 1–2 weeks; final result by 4–6 weeks.
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05Free post-op follow-ups
Per current promotional offer.
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06Free protective glasses
Per current promotional offer.
How cataract surgery is performed
A 20-minute outpatient procedure under local anesthetic.
Total time ~20 minutes per eye
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1
Local anesthetic
Numbing eye drops, with optional IV sedation if you prefer to be more relaxed.
Duration: 5 minutes
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2
Small corneal incision
A 2–3 mm incision is created at the edge of the cornea.
Duration: 1 minute
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3
Capsulotomy
A small circular opening is made in the front capsule of the natural lens.
Duration: 1 minute
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4
Phacoemulsification
An ultrasound probe gently breaks the cloudy lens into small pieces and suctions them out.
Duration: 5–8 minutes
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5
IOL insertion
The folded artificial intraocular lens is inserted through the same small incision and unfolds inside the eye.
Duration: 2 minutes
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6
Healing
No stitches. The incision self-seals. Antibiotic drops and discharge with companion.
Duration: 5 minutes
When to have cataract surgery
Cataract is not removed simply because it is present. Surgery is recommended when the cataract is materially affecting daily life.
Typically a fit
- Cloudy or blurred vision affecting daily activities
- Difficulty driving at night because of glare
- Reading has become difficult despite glasses
- Colours appear faded
- Frequent prescription changes that no longer help
May not be a fit
- Cataract present but not yet affecting daily life
- Active eye infection — must be treated first
- Other significant eye conditions that need addressing first
Cataract surgery is generally performed on one eye at a time, a few weeks apart, so the first eye can heal before the second is operated on. The consultation will explain timing and IOL options.
Every surgery has risks. Here they are honestly.
Cataract surgery is the most-performed surgery in the world, with a long-established safety profile. The risks below are the ones our team discusses in writing as part of informed consent.
Common and short-term
- Mild irritation, watering, or light sensitivity in the first days.
- Temporarily blurry vision as the eye settles, typically improving within hours but stabilising over 4–6 weeks.
- Need for prescription eye drops for several weeks (anti-inflammatory + antibiotic).
- Small refractive surprise — your post-op prescription may not be exactly zero. Reading glasses are still likely with a standard monofocal IOL.
Rare but serious
- Posterior capsule opacification ("secondary cataract") — common in the first 1–3 years, treated by a brief out-patient YAG laser procedure.
- Retinal tear or detachment — rare, more common in highly myopic eyes; treated separately if it occurs.
- Persistent macular swelling (cystoid macular oedema) — uncommon, usually responds to extended drops.
- Infection (endophthalmitis) — very rare; single-use sterile instruments and intraocular antibiotics at closing.
- IOL repositioning or exchange — rare, performed if the lens does not settle correctly.
Cataract surgery is medically indicated when the cataract affects daily function, not by age alone. The consultation includes biometry, IOL power calculation, and a written informed-consent review.
What patients can expect
Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL focuses for distance. Reading glasses are still likely afterwards. Patients who want to reduce dependence on glasses should ask about Cataract Plus.
- Work Return
- 2–5 days
- Surgery Time
- ~20 min/eye
- Initial Vision
- Within hours
- Optical Settling
- 4–6 weeks
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Day of surgery
Clearer than before within hours; blurry haze for the rest of the day.
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Day 1
Significant improvement; first post-op check confirms lens position.
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Week 1–2
Most patients resume routine activities; second eye scheduled if planned.
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4–6 weeks
Final stable vision; prescription confirmed for any reading glasses needed.
Pricing — per eye
The cataract procedure is priced per eye. The candidacy consultation is AED 200 and is deducted from the procedure fee if you proceed. Cataract surgery is more often covered by insurance than refractive surgery.
From
AED 6,997 per eye
What is included
- Pre-operative diagnostic work-up
- Standard monofocal intraocular lens (IOL)
- Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Protective glasses
- Post-op follow-up visits
Patient questions about cataract surgery
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Age is the biggest factor — cataract is one of the natural ways the eye lens changes over decades. Other contributors include diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol use, prolonged UV exposure, and certain medications.
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There is no rush simply because cataract is present. The right time is when the cataract is materially affecting daily life — driving has become difficult, reading is impaired, vision quality is worsening despite updated prescriptions. The consultation discusses timing.
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Sight typically returns within a few hours of surgery. Vision improves quickly over the next 1–2 weeks and reaches its optimum at 4–6 weeks. New reading glasses (if needed) are usually prescribed at the 4–6 week check.
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No. Cataract surgery is generally carried out on both eyes a few weeks apart so the first eye can heal before the second is operated on.
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The operation is performed under local anesthetic — you will be awake but the eye is fully numbed and the procedure does not cause pain. Afterwards there can be itching, mild discomfort, or sensitivity to light for one to two days, controlled by the eye drops we send home with you.
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With a standard monofocal IOL: yes, you will likely still need reading glasses. If freedom from reading glasses matters to you, ask about Cataract Plus (refractive cataract surgery) which uses a multifocal IOL.
Doctors performing this procedure
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Dr. Anwar Hamdan Sajwani
Retina & Refractive
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Dr. Mohamed A. Hafez
Retina, Cornea & Refractive
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Dr. Firas DIB
Glaucoma & Cataract