Cataract

This is a common eye condition, in which the lens becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision.

Appointment information020 7566 2712020 7566 2745

Cataract service

Moorfields Eye Hospital

162 City Road

London

EC1V 2PD

What this service does

The team in this service treats cataract, a common eye condition, in which the lens becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision.

Cataract surgery is generally recommended when your cataract has progressed to the point that it is interfering with your daily activities and lifestyle. It is usually safe to delay surgery if you do not feel you have a problem with your vision, or don’t want to have an operation.

Modern cataract surgery is usually quick and can be performed using a local anaesthetic only. Most people are able to return to work the day after their operation. During surgery, your lens is usually replaced with a clear plastic lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). For most patients, the new lens is chosen to aim for focused distant vision after the operation. Many people still require glasses for fine focusing in the distance and it is usual for you to need reading glasses after your operation.

How do I make an appointment with this service?

You should see your GP or optician in the first instance. If he or she decides that your eye condition needs to be investigated by more specialist staff, they will arrange for you to have an outpatient appointment with Moorfields or another eye-care provider. If you choose to be treated at Moorfields, we will send you a letter confirming the date, time and location of your appointment with us.

Other useful contacts

For treatment for urgent, sight-threatening problems and for issues that cannot wait for a routine appointment with your GP, you can come directly to our dedicated A&E department which is based in Moorfields Eye Hospital in London’s City Road. A&E is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can also get information and advice on eye conditions and treatments from our telephone helpline, Moorfields Direct, on 020 7566 2345. Staffed by experienced ophthalmic-trained nurses, the helpline is open from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday and from 8.30am to 5pm on Saturdays. At busy times, we might not be able to answer your call straight away - please bear with us and call back a little later if this happens.

Preparing for Cataract surgery - patient animations

The following animations provide information for patients on administering eye drops prior to coming in for surgery, and what to expect the day of your surgery.