Your path to clearer vision
From your first symptoms through surgery and recovery, our board-certified surgeons guide you through every step — with over 100,000 cataract procedures performed and outcomes backed by published research.
Understanding cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural crystalline lens — the clear structure behind your iris that focuses light onto the retina. When proteins in the lens break down over time, they clump together and form an opaque area that blocks light from reaching the retina clearly. The result is blurred, dim, or yellowed vision that worsens gradually over months or years.
Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in Canadian adults. In earlier stages, you may notice glare, halos around lights, or faded colours. As the cataract progresses, everyday activities like driving, reading, and recognizing faces become increasingly difficult. Cataract surgery is indicated when your decreased vision interferes with your ability to work, drive, or enjoy everyday activities.
Risk factors include aging (most common), prolonged sun exposure, diabetes, certain medications — particularly long-term corticosteroids — previous eye surgery or trauma, and smoking. While cataracts cannot be prevented, they can be effectively treated with surgery — one of the most commonly performed and successful procedures in medicine.
Common symptoms
Blurred Vision
Cloudy or blurred vision at all distances, as if looking through a foggy window.
Night Driving Difficulty
Difficulty seeing at night or while driving after dark, with reduced contrast sensitivity.
Glare & Halos
Glare or halos around lights, especially oncoming headlights and streetlights.
Faded Colours
Colours appear less vibrant or yellowed — whites may take on a brownish tint.
Double Vision
Seeing double images in one eye, caused by light scattering through the clouded lens.
Prescription Changes
Frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription as the cataract progresses.
Light Sensitivity
Increased sensitivity to bright light and sunlight, with discomfort in well-lit environments.
Reading Difficulty
Difficulty reading even with current glasses, particularly in low-light conditions.
Your cataract surgery journey
From your first referral through surgery and recovery — here’s exactly what to expect at every stage. A dedicated Surgical Counsellor guides you through the entire process.
OHIP coverage
In Ontario, medically necessary cataract surgery is covered by OHIP. Here’s what’s included — and what’s available as a private-pay upgrade.
Covered by OHIP
- Surgical removal of the cataract
- Standard monofocal intraocular lens (IOL)
- Facility and anesthesia costs
- Post-operative follow-up visits
Available as premium upgrades
- Premium IOLs (multifocal, toric, extended depth of focus)
- Femtosecond laser-assisted surgery (UltraView ReLACS)
- Light-adjustable lens (UltraView VISION)
- Astigmatism correction during surgery
Many patients choose to combine OHIP-covered basic surgery with premium upgrades. Your surgeon will discuss which options best suit your vision goals, lifestyle, and eye anatomy during your consultation.
What surgery feels like
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about eye surgery. Here’s what our patients tell us they actually experienced — and what you can expect from start to finish.
You’ll be relaxed but awake
You’ll receive IV sedation in the operating room, monitored by an on-site Anesthesiologist. The sedation is enough to make you feel calm and comfortable — but you won’t be put to sleep. A local anaesthetic eye drop numbs your eye completely so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
You won’t see the surgery
This is one of the most common concerns patients have. The bright light from the surgical microscope temporarily washes out your vision, so you won’t see the instruments or the procedure itself. You’ll see light and colour, but not the details of what your surgeon is doing.
What you may feel
You may feel gentle pressure on and around the eye and the occasional cool splash of water — both are completely normal. The surgery itself typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Many patients are surprised by how quickly and comfortably it passes.
Immediately after
A clear plastic shield is placed over your eye for protection. You’ll rest briefly in our recovery area while the sedation wears off, then your surgeon performs a same-day post-operative check. Before you leave, our team reviews your aftercare instructions and eye drop schedule. A courtesy call from our office follows later that day to check on how you’re feeling — and a 24/7 emergency line is always available.
Plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours at our facility for preparation, surgery, and monitoring. You’ll need someone to drive you home — you cannot drive yourself on surgery day.
Recovery & aftercare
Your vision improves gradually over the first several weeks. Here’s what to expect at each stage.
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Vision may be very blurry — this is normal. Mild discomfort is common. Begin prescribed eye drops. Avoid water and strenuous activity. |
| Week 1 | Vision begins to clear. You may notice improved colour perception and reduced glare. Attend your one-week follow-up appointment. |
| Weeks 2–4 | Continued vision improvement. Most patients can resume normal activities like light reading and watching television. Avoid swimming and eye makeup. |
| Months 1–3 | By 6–8 weeks, your final refraction can be assessed and new glasses prescribed if needed. Most patients achieve their best vision by 3 months. |
Post-operative care essentials
- Use prescribed eye drops exactly as directed — typically every few hours for several weeks
- Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from bright light
- Sleep with a protective shield for the first week
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous exercise for 2–4 weeks
- Do not swim or use hot tubs for at least two weeks
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Contact us immediately if you experience sudden vision loss, severe pain, or flashing lights
- Shop recovery essentials — lubricating drops, UV-protective sunglasses, and eye shields — at U Shoppe
Common questions about cataract surgery
Ready to start your
cataract journey?
The first step is a comprehensive cataract evaluation. Your surgeon will examine your eyes, discuss your vision goals, and recommend the best path forward.
Call (416) 292-0330 · Brampton · Vaughan · Scarborough · Etobicoke