Cataract Surgery in Grand Cayman

If reading, driving at night or recognising faces is getting harder, a cataract may be the cause, and it is treatable. At Dr. Foley's Eye Clinic in George Town, Dr Behrad Samadi MD FEBO provides cataract assessment and surgery in-clinic, under local anaesthesia, with clear explanations for you and your family.

Book a cataract assessment through our online contact form.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. It usually develops slowly with age and cannot be fixed with glasses or eye drops. When it starts to affect daily life, the usual treatment is surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one.

Common symptoms include:

• Blurry, cloudy or misty vision

• Faded or yellowed colours

• Glare or halos around lights, especially at night

• Needing more light to read

• Frequent changes to your glasses prescription

Other eye conditions can cause similar symptoms, so a proper eye examination is important.

Why Choose Dr Samadi?

Dr Behrad Samadi is an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specialising in eye care and eye surgery. He trained in Sweden and the United Kingdom:

• MD, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm

• Ophthalmology residency, St Erik's Eye Hospital, Stockholm

• Fellowship, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London

• FEBO, Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology

Surgery in a familiar setting. Your assessment, surgery and early follow-up all take place at Dr. Foley's Eye Clinic, with no hospital stay and the same team caring for you throughout.

The Procedure: Day-Case Phacoemulsification

Dr Samadi performs cataract surgery in-clinic at Dr. Foley's Eye Clinic, under local anaesthesia, as a day case, so you go home the same day.

1. Assessment: Dr Samadi examines your eyes and takes measurements to choose the right lens.

2. Surgery: With your eye numbed, a fine ultrasound instrument breaks up and removes the cloudy lens through a very small opening (phacoemulsification).

3. New lens: A clear artificial lens (intraocular lens) is placed where your natural lens was. It stays in place permanently.

4. Home: After a short rest, a family member or friend takes you home.

Like any surgery, cataract surgery carries some risks, which Dr Samadi will discuss with you openly beforehand.

Lens Options

Dr Samadi offers three types of lens implant and will help you choose based on your eyes and lifestyle:

• Monofocal: Clear vision at one distance, usually far. Most people use reading glasses for close work.

• Toric: Corrects astigmatism at the same time as the cataract, for sharper vision at the chosen distance.

• EDOF / multifocal: Designed to give clear vision over a wider range of distances and reduce reliance on glasses. Some people notice glare or halos at night, and these lenses are not suitable for everyone.

Recovery

Everyone heals differently, and you will receive personal instructions. As a general guide:

• Day of surgery: Rest at home. Vision is blurry at first.

• First few days: Vision often starts to improve. Use your prescribed eye drops and wear an eye shield at night.

• First weeks: Avoid rubbing your eye, swimming, heavy lifting and dusty environments.

Call 345-946-4944 promptly if you have increasing pain, redness or worsening vision.

Insurance and Cost

We accept all major insurance plans, including CINICO. Your cost depends on your plan and lens choice, and premium lenses may be covered differently. Our team can help you check your cover before you decide.

For Optometrists: Refer a Patient

We welcome referrals from optometrists across the Cayman Islands. Please use our online referral form. Referred patients are seen within 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cataract surgery painful?

Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the eye, so you should not feel pain. You may be aware of light or gentle pressure. Afterwards the eye may feel slightly gritty for a few days.

Will I need to stay in hospital?

No. Dr Samadi performs cataract surgery in-clinic at Dr. Foley's Eye Clinic as a day case, so there is no hospital stay and you go home the same day. Please arrange for someone to drive you home.

How long will I be at the clinic?

The surgery itself is relatively short, but please allow several hours on the day for preparation, the procedure and a short rest.

When can I drive again?

Not on the day of surgery. You can drive again once a follow-up check confirms your vision meets the legal standard for driving.

Will I still need glasses?

It depends on your eyes and the lens you choose. Many people with a monofocal lens still use glasses for reading. Toric and EDOF/multifocal lenses can reduce the need for glasses, but no lens can guarantee you will never need them.

Should I have both eyes done at once?

Cataract surgery is normally done one eye at a time, with the second eye treated after the first has begun to heal.

How do optometrists refer a patient?

Optometrists can refer using the referral form on our website. Referred patients are seen within 2 weeks.

Book Your Cataract Assessment

If cataracts are affecting your vision, or that of someone you care about, we are here to help. Family members are welcome at appointments.

Book a consultation through our online contact form.

Dr. Foley's Eye Clinic
107 Claude Hill Road, George Town, Grand Cayman
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

General information only, not a substitute for a personal consultation. Individual results vary.