What is it?
Cataracts are cloudy patches that form in the lens of the eye and cause the vision to become blurred or misty. The lens is the clear part at the front to the eye that lets light through and focuses vision. The cloudier the lens becomes the more it can disturb vision. Cataracts commonly develop as people get older. It is estimated that around half of the people in the world aged over 65 will have developed cataracts in one or both eyes, but they can occur at earlier ages. In most cases cataracts will continue to develop and the only way to restore vision is to have surgery to remove the cataract. The natural lens of the eye is then replaced by an artificial lens.
Recommended recovery times
Usually, the operation is performed as day surgery. The recommended recovery times to return to work are:
- Return to non-manual office duty is usually possible after 1-3 days
- Return to manual work is usually possible after around 2 weeks
Cataract surgery can affect how well someone can focus (visual acuity) and the ability to return to driving following surgery will depend on whether the individual can meet the legally required visual acuity standards. They may need to have new prescription spectacles before they can do so.
Rehabilitation plan
Office workers should be able to return to full duties without the need for a rehabilitation plan. (Manual workers may require confirmation from their Consultant in relation to duties to be conducted) An example of suitable rehabilitation plan for a manual role is:
Return to work after 1 week
- Week 1: office work, admin tasks, and lifting up to 10kg
- Week 2: return to full duties
Return to driving duties should take place only when confirmation has been obtained that the individual meets the DVLA visual acuity standards required for the role.
Referral to occupational health
Employees should be referred to Occupational Health if the line manager is concerned that the employee is not making progress as expected, for example, they are unable to return to normal duties after two weeks following the procedure.
Points to Remember
Fit notes
If an employee produces a fit note indicating that they require modified duties, discuss this with them and consider if the modification recommended can be reasonably accommodated.
Job tasks and risk assessments
Review the risk assessment for the employee’s job role and work tasks including the ability to drive safely where required. Take into consideration any temporary modification that may be required to accommodate their reduced ability to undertake certain tasks.
Further information
NHS – Cataract surgery
Ref: WPW0119 this information was reviewed August 2024.
