What are the 3 types of cataract surgery?
If you have been told you have cataracts, you may feel unsure about what happens next. One common question is:
Are there different types of cataract surgery?
The short answer is yes. There are three main types of cataract surgery. All aim to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear one.
In this blog, we explain each type in a simple way, so you can understand your options.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This can make vision:
- Blurry
- Dull
- Harder to see at night
- Sensitive to bright light
Cataracts often develop slowly over time. They are common as we get older.
What happens during cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is usually a day procedure. You are awake, but your eye is numbed.
During surgery:
- The cloudy lens is removed
- A clear artificial lens is placed inside the eye
This new lens stays in place for life.
The 3 main types of cataract surgery
1. Phacoemulsification (Phaco)
Phacoemulsification, often called phaco, is the most common type of cataract surgery.
How it works
- A very small cut is made in the eye
- Ultrasound energy breaks the cloudy lens into tiny pieces
- The pieces are gently removed
- A clear artificial lens is put in place
Why it is used
- The cut is small
- Healing is usually quick
- Most people notice better vision within days
Who it may be for
- People with early to moderate cataracts
- Most patients having cataract surgery today
Phaco is widely used in the UK and around the world.
2. Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS)
Manual small incision cataract surgery, or MSICS, uses a slightly larger cut than phaco.
How it works
- A small cut is made in the eye
- The cloudy lens is removed in one piece
- A clear artificial lens is placed in the eye
Why it is used
- Does not use ultrasound
- Can be helpful for very dense or hard cataracts
- Still allows good vision results
Who it may be for
- People with advanced cataracts
- Eyes where phaco may not be the best option
Healing may take a little longer than phaco, but results are still good.
3. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (Laser cataract surgery)
This type of surgery uses a laser to help with some steps of the procedure.
How it works
- A laser helps make small cuts in the eye
- The laser softens the cloudy lens
- The lens is then removed and replaced with a clear one
Why it is used
- High level of precision
- May reduce the amount of ultrasound needed
- Can help in some complex cases
Who it may be for
- People with certain eye needs
- Those looking for advanced technology options
Laser cataract surgery is not needed for everyone. Your eye care professional can advise if it is suitable.
Are all types safe?
Yes. All three types of cataract surgery are well-established and commonly used.
Your eye care professional will choose the method that is safest and best for:
- Your eye health
- The type of cataract you have
- Your vision needs
What about lens choices?
During any type of cataract surgery, a new lens is placed in your eye.
There are different lens options, such as:
- Standard lenses for clear distance vision
- Lenses that may reduce the need for glasses
Not all lenses suit everyone. This is discussed during your assessment.
Does one type heal faster than the others?
Healing time can vary.
- Phaco often has the fastest recovery
- MSICS may take a little longer
- Laser-assisted surgery is similar to phaco for healing
Most people return to normal activities within a few days, but full healing takes a few weeks.
Will you feel pain?
Cataract surgery is usually not painful.
You may feel:
- Mild pressure
- Slight discomfort after surgery
Eye drops are given to help healing and comfort.
Which type is right for you?
There is no “best” type for everyone.
The right choice depends on:
- Your eye health
- The strength of your cataract
- Your lifestyle and vision goals
This is why a full eye assessment is important.
The key message
There are three main types of cataract surgery:
- Phacoemulsification
- Manual small incision cataract surgery
- Laser-assisted cataract surgery
All aim to improve vision safely and effectively.
Take the next step
If you are thinking about cataract surgery and want to know if it may be right for you, the next step is easy.
Take our cataract suitability self test to learn more about your options.
Share This Post
Mr Dan Nguyen
MBChB MBA FRCOphth FRANZCO
Consultant Eye Surgeon
Hello, I’m Dan Nguyen!
I‘m your guide to better vision. In times when long waiting lists and unclear options are the norm, it’s easy to feel stuck and worried about your eye health. Don’t let that hold you back. I’m here to show you that you can skip the endless queues and make real progress. Remember, you’re unique, not just another name on a list. Every patient I see receives top-notch care, tailored to their specific needs and lifestyle. Once you’ve had your treatment, you’ll be able to embrace a life that’s vivid, colourful, and just the way you like it. So what are you waiting for? Stop waiting and start living!
