The operation, which will be performed at Claremont Hospital in Cape Town, is Boucher's second since his freak accident last week.

He was forced into retirement when a bail struck him in the eye during the first day of South Africa's tour of England.

It was at first feared the eye would be completely blind, but doctors say it has responded to light and hand movements.

His first operation in England last Monday repaired a tear in the white part of his eye.

An ultrasound conducted at the weekend found that the retina had not detached.

This gave doctors reason for optimism.

In today's operation, they will explore a liquid inside the eye between the lens and retina, called the vitreous. The blow to his eye caused bleeding into the vitreous.

Doctors fear the bleeding could cause the retina to detach, which would render the eye blind. Today, the vitreous will be removed and replaced with silicone oil.

The retina will also be inspected to assess the damage.

Cricket SA's medical committee chairman Shuaib Manjra confirmed this week that there was significant damage to the eye and that Boucher would have to undergo numerous procedures.