Medical Professionals Corporate Health Solutions Clinical Research
Insurance Partners
EN AR
Book an Appointment
EN AR

Cataract Surgery

Overview

What is a Cataract?

A cataract, although many people believe it to be a film or growth over the eye, is actually a clouding of the eye's natural lens which is the part behind the iris responsible for focusing light. It stops clear images from forming by creating a fog.

Usually as part of the natural ageing process, this clouding develops when proteins in the lens clump together. It scatters and blocks light as it progresses and enters the eye, leading to vision that's blurred and dimmed. This gradual change significantly impacts the ability to read, drive or recognise faces for millions of people with cataract surgery allowing for this lost clarity to be restored.

Types of Cataracts

Age-related cataracts are by far the most common, although they are not the only type. These form slowly over decades, resulting in lens ageing and proteins breaking down. After surgery for other eye problems or in people with certain health conditions, secondary cataracts are another type that develop. Diabetes, for instance, significantly increases one's risk. Traumatic cataracts form after an injury to the eye, sometimes years after the event. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, referred to as congenital cataracts and can be due to infection, injury or genetic factors.

Many people accept declining vision as just part of getting older. It would be best to speak with an ophthalmologist however, when this decline begins to interfere with normal life. Vision that's blurry, cloudy or feels like looking through a frosty window are key signs that a cataract is affecting daily life or forming. Increased difficulty seeing at night, particularly when driving and sensitivity to light and glare, with halos appearing around headlights or lamps, could be the first signs of a cataract. Colours seeming faded or yellowed or frequent changes to glasses or contact lens prescriptions that no longer seem to help shouldn't be ignored.

When these symptoms make routine activities like reading, cooking or moving around safely, a challenge, it's worth discussing whether cataract surgery in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or the wider UAE, is the right step.

Beginning with a comprehensive eye examination, diagnosing a cataract is quite straightforward. An ophthalmologist will take a detailed history of a patient's vision problems and how they are affecting daily life.

A visual acuity test, which is the standard vision test, is performed. Using a slit lamp, the doctor will then examine the eyes using a special microscope with a bright light that provides a magnified, detailed view of the structures at the front of the eye, including the lens. This allows them to see the location and extent of any clouding.

Using drops, a dilated eye exam will most likely be performed, which widens the pupil for a better view of the lens and the retina at the back of the eye. Mostly always painless, these tests help provide all the information needed to confirm a cataract and recommend the next steps.

Cataracts are the primary focus of our offerings however the expertise of our ophthalmologists extends to related conditions and complexities. Surgical management is provided for:

  • Age-related Cataracts
  • Secondary Cataracts
  • Cataracts Complicated by Glaucoma
  • Cataracts in Patients with Diabetes
  • Traumatic Cataracts
  • Paediatric and Congenital Cataracts

The decision to have surgery is significant. Our focus at NMC, is on making this decision as clear and comfortable a process as the restored vision itself. Phacoemulsification, which is a modern and minimally invasive technique, is most often the procedure performed by our teams.

A tiny incision is made in the cornea and to gently break up the cloudy lens into tiny pieces, a small probe emitting ultrasound waves is inserted through this opening. These fragments are then suctioned out and the natural lens is then replaced with a clear, artificial one, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). It typically heals without stitches as the incision is so small.

Patients undergo detailed measurements of their eye before surgery. This helps select the most suitable IOL which is then tailored to their visual needs and lifestyle. Performed under local anaesthetic, the procedure itself is usually quick, and patient is awake but feels no pain. Patients often return home the same day. We provide advanced care in well-equipped settings for those seeking cataract surgery across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain.

The team behind every successful outcome at NMC blends experience and skill. With deep expertise in cataract and refractive surgery, NMC's ophthalmologists, internationally trained and practiced, are supported by orthoptists, optometrists and dedicated ophthalmic nurses. Together, they understand that even temporarily losing sight to a cataract can be worrying.

Our consultants give clear explanations about procedures. They answer any questions along the way and discuss the different lens options available. To ensure clarity and confidence at every stage, they guide patients from the first consultation through to post-operative reviews. The focus always remains on restoring quality of life, not just vision, across the entire NMC network across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain.

FAQs

Find the Answer to Your Medical Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Performed under local anaesthetic; the procedure uses eye drops or a small injection around the eye. No pain should be felt although there may be a little pressure. Recovery is usually comfortable with simple over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
The phacoemulsification procedure itself takes only 15 to 20 minutes typically. To allow for preparation and recovery time, patients can expect to be at the hospital or surgical centre for a few hours in total.
Within a few hours or by the next day, many patients notice improved vision. Initially as the eye heals and stabilises fully over a few weeks, vision may be a little hazy.
This depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) chosen. Standard lenses correct distance only which means for reading, you might still require glasses. Multifocal or toric lenses are premium options and can cover near and far while dealing with astigmatism all at the same time. Based on what matters most to you, your surgeon will walk you through the trade-offs.
Location

NMC Footprints

0 Results found

Loading......

© Copyright 2026 NMC Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. MOH License No - IRL1J3AD

Terms of Use Privacy Statement

Hospital Details

Booking Details

By Proceeding you agree Terms & Conditions