What happens on the day of laser cataract surgery at Moorfields Private with Sharmina Khan?

If you’ve chosen to have laser cataract surgery with Miss Sharmina Khan at Moorfields Private, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Knowing what to expect on the day can help ease anxiety and give you confidence that you’re in safe hands.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery is one of the most advanced ways to restore clear vision. At Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic, we use the latest technology to offer a safe, precise, and personalised experience from start to finish.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens on the day of your procedure.

1. Arrival and Check-in

When you arrive at Moorfields Private, you’ll be greeted by the reception team. You’ll be asked to complete any remaining paperwork and confirm your personal and medical details. This helps us ensure everything is ready for your procedure.

You’ll be guided to a comfortable waiting area where one of our experienced registered nurses will begin preparing you for treatment.

2. Eye Drops to Dilate the Pupil

Your nurse will apply special eye drops to dilate (enlarge) your pupil. These are the same kind of drops you may have had during your consultation. They allow your surgeon Sharmina Khan to see the lens clearly and carry out the procedure safely.

The drops may cause a slight stinging feeling for a few seconds, but this passes quickly. They take around 20–30 minutes to fully take effect. You will be given a tablet called Diazepam to help you relax 20-30 minutes before the surgery.

3. Meeting Your Surgeon – Final Checks and Consent

Before anything begins, you’ll meet Miss Sharmina Khan. She’ll talk through the plan for your surgery, check your eye measurements, mark the surface of your eye in preparation for a premium lens and answer any final questions. Your lens is confirmed with you and delivered to the hospital before the day of surgery

This is also when you’ll sign the consent form, confirming that you’re happy to proceed and understand what’s involved. We always make sure you feel fully informed and in control by providing you with information before and after your initial assessment, in preparation for the days of surgery itself.

4. First Stage: Femtolaser Treatment

Next, you’ll be taken into the Femtolaser room for the first part of your procedure. This is where the laser is used to prepare the eye for surgery.

This advanced laser technology gently creates a precise opening in the lens capsule and softens the cataract. By doing this step with a laser instead of a blade, we can:

• Make the procedure more accurate
• Reduce the energy needed inside the eye
• Make the second stage of surgery shorter and safer

This part of the treatment is completely painless and takes just 3 to 4 minutes per eye.

5. Sedation and Comfort

Once the laser stage is complete, you’ll take a mild sedative—usually Diazepam 5mg—to help you feel relaxed. If you’ve requested intravenous (IV) sedation, you’ll meet the anaesthetist at this point.

Our goal is always to make sure you feel calm, comfortable, and cared for throughout the experience.

6. Second Stage: Surgery in the Operating Theatre

You’ll then be taken into the operating theatre for the main part of the surgery. This involves removing the softened cataract and replacing it with your chosen artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL) implant..

The surgery itself usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes. Miss Khan will talk to you throughout to reassure you and make sure you’re comfortable. You may see lights and colours, but you won’t feel pain.

The operating team will support you every step of the way.

7. Aftercare and Recovery

Once your surgery is complete, you’ll be moved to a recovery suite. Here, you can relax and enjoy some refreshments while we monitor you briefly before you go home.

You’ll be given clear aftercare instructions and eye drops to use at home. A protective cover will be placed over your eye, which you’ll remove the next morning.

Most people notice a dramatic improvement in their vision within a few days. Full recovery usually takes a couple of weeks—but many patients are back to light activity the next day.

8. What Should I Bring With Me?

To help the day go smoothly, it’s useful to:

• Take any regular medications as normal.
• Sunglasses for the journey home
• Someone to accompany you (you won’t be able to drive)

We also recommend wearing comfortable clothing and leaving any valuables at home.

9. What If I’m Nervous?

Feeling anxious before surgery is completely normal. That’s why we take extra care to explain each step, keep you comfortable, and create a calm, welcoming environment.

Miss Sharmina Khan is known for her reassuring manner and high standard of personalised care. You’ll be in the hands of one of London’s most trusted cataract specialists.

If you think you may require additional intravenous sedation. This can be organised in advance with an anaesthetist present to support you at an additional fee.

Laser cataract surgery at Moorfields Private with Sharmina Khan is a smooth, well-planned experience that puts patient safety, comfort, and results first.

By knowing what to expect on the day, you can arrive feeling confident, informed, and ready to take the next step toward clearer vision.

Not sure if you're ready? Take our free self-test to see if you're suitable for laser cataract surgery.