Surgery – How many cataract surgeries are performed each year in the UK?

Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed operation in the UK, with around 400,000 procedures carried out in England each year before the pandemic. About 30% of people over 65 have a cataract affecting one or both eyes, and around 40% of patients require surgery in both eyes. The vast majority of surgeries use phacoemulsification, an ultrasound technique to remove the natural lens, and over 95% are performed under local anaesthetic. Surgery is quick, usually taking around 15 minutes, with patients generally staying in the hospital as a day case for a few hours. Full recovery generally takes 2–6 weeks, though most people can resume daily activities while their eye heals.