Our Cataract Process
Your Journey to Clear Vision
Experience the Life-Changing Benefits of Modern Cataract Surgery.
Cataracts are a natural part of ageing, but they don’t have to blur your life.
At iSurgeon, our cataract specialists provide expert diagnosis and safe, effective surgery to restore your clear, bright vision.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a common, straightforward procedure in which the clouded natural lens of your eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL).
This lens helps restore your ability to see clearly, read, drive, and enjoy life again, often without glasses.
Why Cataracts Happen
Cataracts develop when proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, causing cloudiness that blocks or scatters light. Most commonly caused by ageing, cataracts can also result from:
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Diabetes or other health conditions
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Long-term use of corticosteroids
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Previous eye trauma or surgery
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UV exposure without eye protection.
Symptoms of Cataracts
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Cloudy, blurred, or dim vision
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Sensitivity to light and glare
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Seeing “halos” around lights
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Faded colours
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Difficulty with night driving
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Frequent changes in prescription glasses
Is It Time for Cataract Surgery?
If cataracts interfere with your daily life, even slightly, it’s worth getting a comprehensive eye exam.
At iSurgeon, we’ll assess your vision, discuss your options, and guide you through the next steps carefully and clearly.
Manage Costs Effectively
- Confirm if your medical aid covers the procedure in full or partially
- Ask about network hospitals or DSPs to reduce co-payments
- Consider medical loan services (e.g., Discovery or Bonitas)
- Compare quotes from different surgeons and facilities
- Get clarity on the lens options and their costs upfront
How to Manage Costs Effectively for Cataract Surgery Cataract surgery is a life-changing procedure that restores clear vision and independence. […]
Our Surgical Process.
- The procedure takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
- It is done under local anaesthesia.
- Patients are typically discharged the same day to recover comfortably at home.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Before your surgery day, you’ll typically have a pre-operative consultation, which includes:
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Comprehensive Eye Exam: To assess the severity of the cataract and plan the correct intraocular lens (IOL) power.
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Biometry Scan: Measures the shape and size of the eye to determine the best IOL fit.
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Medical Review: Discuss any chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that could affect surgery.
You’ll also be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to start using a few days before the procedure. These help reduce the risk of infection and prepare the eye for surgery.
1 – Arrival
Vitals and Prep
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You’ll be checked in and have your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood sugar (if diabetic) recorded.
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You’ll change into a surgical gown and have your operative eye marked for safety.
Eye Drops and Anaesthesia
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A series of dilating eye drops will be applied to widen your pupil.
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Local anaesthetic drops are used to numb the surface of the eye.
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In some cases, a mild sedative is given to help you relax.
You remain awake during the surgery, but you won’t feel pain or see anything clearly.
2 – Procedure
Cataract surgery usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Phacoemulsification (Standard)
- A small incision is made in the cornea.
- Ultrasound is used to break up the cloudy lens.
- Lens fragments are gently removed.
- A folded artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted and unfolds into position.
- The incision is self-sealing and no stitches are usually needed.
3 – Immediately After Procedure
You’ll rest in a recovery area for 20–30 minutes.
Nurses will check your vitals again before discharge.
You will receive a protective eye shield, post-op instructions, and a schedule for follow-up.
You’ll need someone to drive you home. Most people feel fine afterward, but you may experience mild irritation, light sensitivity, or blurriness for a few hours to days.
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You’ll rest in a recovery area for 20–30 minutes.
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Nurses will check your vitals again before discharge.
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You will receive a protective eye shield, post-op instructions, and a schedule for follow-up.
You’ll need someone to drive you home. Most people feel fine afterwards, but you may experience mild irritation, light sensitivity, or blurriness for a few hours to days.
4 – Post-Operative Care.
Recovery is generally smooth with proper aftercare:
Eye Drops Regimen:
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Antibiotic drops (to prevent infection)
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Steroid drops (to reduce inflammation)
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Lubricating drops (to soothe dryness)
Depending on your doctor’s instructions, these are used for 2 to 4 weeks.
Activity Guidelines:
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Avoid rubbing your eye or getting water directly into it.
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No strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending for a few days.
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Wear sunglasses outdoors and your eye shield at night for the first week.
Results and Vision Outcomes
Most patients notice improved vision within 24–48 hours, with continued improvement over the next few weeks. Depending on the lens used, you may still need reading glasses or glasses for specific tasks.
Follow-Up Visits
You’ll usually have check-ups:
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Day after surgery
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1 week post-op
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4–6 weeks post-op to assess healing and visual clarity
During these visits, the surgeon will monitor your eye pressure, lens position, and healing process.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While complications are rare, contact your clinic immediately if you notice:
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Sudden vision loss
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Persistent pain
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Increasing redness
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Light flashes or floaters
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Discharge or swelling
Private Sector Costs (With Medical Aid)
Most South African medical aids cover standard cataract surgery, including:
- Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
- Hospital and theatre costs
- Standard monofocal IOL
- However, co-payments may apply if:
You choose premium IOLs (multifocal or toric)
- Your procedure is done at a non-DSP (Designated Service Provider) hospital
- Your medical aid plan has limits or sub-schemes for elective procedures
Co-payments can range from R3,000 to R15,000+, depending on your plan.
Private Sector Costs (Without Medical Aid)
In private clinics and hospitals, cataract surgery is readily accessible, but costs vary:
| Component | Approximate Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Surgeon’s fee | R6,000 – R12,000 |
| Anaesthetist fee | R2,000 – R5,000 |
| Theatre and facility fee | R8,000 – R15,000 |
| Intraocular lens (standard) | R2,000 – R6,000 |
| Total (per eye) | R18,000 – R35,000+ |
Additional Cost Considerations
- Pre-operative consultation and scans: R1,000 – R2,500
- Post-operative medication (eye drops, antibiotics): R500 – R1,000
- Follow-up visits: Often included, but confirm with your provider
- Second eye surgery: Usually performed a few weeks later and billed separately