Cataract Surgery in Oman
Cataract surgery replaces the eye's cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial lens (IOL). At Finland Eye Center (المركز الفنلندي للعيون) in Oman it is done by phacoemulsification: the cloudy lens is broken up and removed through a small incision of about 2–3 mm. The operation usually takes 15–20 minutes under numbing eye drops, and most patients go home the same day. Monofocal, toric (astigmatism-correcting), multifocal and EDOF lenses are available. Surgery is performed at our clinics in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah.
Cataract surgery in Oman at a glance
- Procedure
- Cataract surgery: phacoemulsification with a lens implant (IOL)
- Anaesthesia
- Numbing drops, sometimes a local injection; you stay awake
- Typical duration
- 15–20 minutes per eye
- Hospital stay
- Day case: home the same day
- Lens options
- Monofocal, toric, multifocal / trifocal, EDOF
- Surgery performed at
- Muscat, Sohar and Salalah
- Insurance
- Depends on your policy; confirmed before surgery
- Eye clinics in Oman since
- 2007
- Last updated
- 26 October 2026
This page is a patient guide. For the treatment overview, see our cataract surgery service page.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris. It usually develops slowly with age, and can also follow diabetes, eye injury or long-term steroid use. Vision becomes blurred or hazy, colours look faded and lights cause glare. No eye drop dissolves a cataract; when it affects daily life, the only effective treatment is surgery to replace the lens.
When should a cataract be operated on?
Surgery is advised when blurred vision or glare makes reading, driving, work or recognising faces difficult, or when the cataract hides the back of the eye from your doctor. A mild cataract can usually be watched safely, with updated glasses in the meantime. If you have glaucoma or diabetic eye disease, your doctor may recommend surgery earlier.
How is cataract surgery done?
- 1
Eye examination and measurements
A full eye exam confirms the cataract and checks the rest of the eye. Biometry measures the eye to calculate the power of the lens implant.
- 2
Choosing the lens
You and your surgeon choose the lens type (see the table below) based on your eyes, your work and how much you want to rely on glasses.
- 3
Surgery day
The eye is numbed with drops. Through a small incision, the cloudy lens is broken up with ultrasound (phaco) and removed, and the folded lens implant is placed. This usually takes 15–20 minutes.
- 4
The first week
You go home the same day with a shield and drops. Use the drops as prescribed, avoid rubbing the eye and keep water out of it.
- 5
Follow-up
Check-ups, usually the next day and again over the following weeks, confirm healing. New glasses, if needed, are prescribed once the eye has settled.
Which lens implant (IOL) is right for me?
All four lens types replace the cloudy lens permanently. They differ in how much you will need glasses afterwards.
| Lens type | What it does | Glasses after surgery | Possible downsides | Often suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monofocal | Clear vision at one distance (usually far) | Reading glasses usually needed | None specific to the lens | Most patients; usually the option insurance covers |
| Toric | Monofocal that also corrects astigmatism | Reading glasses usually needed | Must be precisely aligned | Patients with significant astigmatism |
| Multifocal / trifocal | Splits focus for far, intermediate and near | Often few or none | Halos or glare around lights at night; reduced contrast for some people | People who want less dependence on glasses and accept night halos |
| EDOF (extended depth of focus) | Continuous range from far to intermediate | Glasses may be needed for fine print | Milder halos than multifocal | Active people who use screens and drive at night |
What is recovery like, and what are the risks?
Recovery
- Vision often improves within a few days and settles over a few weeks.
- Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are used for several weeks.
- Mild grittiness or watering for a day or two is common.
- Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming and dusty places for the first weeks.
- The second eye, if needed, is usually operated on separately.
Possible risks
- Infection or inflammation inside the eye (uncommon, but needs urgent treatment)
- Raised eye pressure after surgery
- Swelling of the cornea or the centre of the retina (macular oedema)
- Retinal detachment (rare)
- Clouding of the lens capsule months or years later, treated with a quick YAG laser in the clinic
Serious complications are uncommon, but no operation is risk-free. Seek care the same day if you have increasing pain, worsening vision or a red eye after surgery. Your surgeon explains your personal risks at the consultation.
Where is cataract surgery performed?
Cataract surgery is performed at the clinics below. Call the clinic nearest to you to book an assessment.
Nizwa: consultations and diagnostic tests; surgery is referred to our clinics in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah.
How much does it cost?
The price depends mainly on the lens you choose and whether one or both eyes are treated. Insurance cover depends on your policy; many policies cover medically necessary cataract surgery with a standard lens, and premium lenses may need an extra payment. We confirm your cover before surgery. See insurance partners
Cataract surgery: frequently asked questions
When is the right time to have cataract surgery?
There is no fixed age. Surgery is usually recommended when the cataract makes daily activities difficult, such as reading, driving at night or recognising faces, or when it stops the doctor from monitoring another eye condition. Delaying a mild cataract is usually safe, and your ophthalmologist will tell you if waiting carries a risk.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Most patients feel little or no pain. The eye is numbed with drops, sometimes with a local injection, and you stay awake. You may feel light pressure and see bright lights during the 15–20 minute procedure. Mild grittiness for a day or two afterwards is common and eased by the prescribed drops.
How long is recovery after cataract surgery?
Vision often improves within a few days, though it can take a few weeks to settle fully. You will use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for several weeks, avoid rubbing the eye, and keep water out of it for the first week. The second eye, if needed, is usually operated on separately. New glasses, if needed, are prescribed once the eye has healed.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed operations, and serious complications are uncommon. Possible risks include infection, inflammation, raised eye pressure, swelling of the retina and, rarely, retinal detachment. Months or years later, the lens capsule can turn cloudy (posterior capsule opacification); this is treated with a quick YAG laser in the clinic. Your surgeon reviews your personal risk before surgery.
How much does cataract surgery cost in Oman, and does insurance pay?
The cost depends mainly on the lens type and on whether one or both eyes are treated. A standard monofocal lens costs less than toric, multifocal or EDOF lenses. Many insurance policies cover medically necessary cataract surgery with a standard lens; premium lenses may involve an extra payment. Ask for a quote after your assessment, and we confirm your insurance cover before surgery.
Sources
- National Eye Institute (NEI): "Cataracts"
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): "What Are Cataracts?"
- World Health Organization: World report on vision (2019)
Last updated: 26 October 2026. General information only; your ophthalmologist will advise on your own eyes.
Book a cataract assessment
The assessment confirms whether surgery is needed now and which lens suits you.
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- Early cataract symptoms
- Cataract surgery recovery, day by day
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- Diabetic eye screening
- Retina care
- Keratoconus treatment
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