When a 10-Minute Cataract Surgery Becomes 40 — and Leaves a Phaco Burn

 Cataract surgery is meant to be routine. In most cases, you’re in and out in ten minutes, home the same day, and life slowly gets clearer again. That was how my first one went back on 26 June — straightforward, no drama, a tick in the box.

The second one, on 9 August, was anything but routine. Instead of ten minutes, I was on the table for forty. By the time it was done, I was left with something I’d never even heard of before: a phaco burn.

What is a phaco burn?

Put simply, it’s a burn on the cornea caused by the heat from the ultrasound probe used in cataract surgery. It’s rare, but when it happens, it changes everything about recovery. Instead of a smooth path back to normal, it means pain, slower healing, and a much longer stretch off work.

Living with it

Being stuck indoors isn’t my style. Normally I’d be outside on the pitch selling The Big Issue, chatting with people, seeing the town from street level. Now I’m grounded — construction dust, wind, even just the brightness outside isn’t safe for healing.

It’s a strange kind of limbo: the surgery is “done,” but the recovery isn’t really happening the way it should. Every day feels like waiting for the eye to settle, for the pain to ease, for vision to become reliable again.

Final thoughts

A cataract operation is supposed to be quick and uneventful. Mine turned into forty minutes and left me with a burn I’ll never forget. Recovery is now the long game — and I’m still off sick, waiting for the eye to calm down and life to straighten itself out again.

Further detail

I have written about each complication in more depth here:

• When a 10-Minute Cataract Surgery Becomes 40 — and Leaves a Phaco Burn

• Cornea Folds — The Other Gift From My Cataract Surgery

• Cataract Surgery Stitches — and How They Misshape the Cornea

Support Raymond During Cataract Recovery

Raymond is a local Big Issue vendor recovering from cataract surgery with complications. While he heals he cannot sell on the streets and needs help to cover rent and appointments.

Every bit helps — donations keep Raymond housed and able to attend vital follow-up appointments. Thank you for your support. 🙏