What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
Knowing what happens before, during, and after cataract surgery can make the process less stressful. The exact protocol varies by surgeon, surgical center, anesthesia plan, and your individual health, but the following is a general overview of the cataract surgery experience.
Your Cataract Evaluation
Your eye surgeon will perform a comprehensive eye examination and may order additional testing to evaluate the health of your eye and determine the appropriate intraocular lens implant.
Common Preoperative Tests
- Optical biometry: measures the length and optical characteristics of the eye to help calculate the appropriate IOL power. In very advanced cataracts, ultrasound measurements may sometimes be needed.
- OCT of the macula: evaluates the retina in the back of the eye when indicated.
- Corneal tomography: provides detailed information about corneal thickness and curvature and may be particularly useful when evaluating astigmatism or prior refractive surgery.
- Endothelial cell testing: evaluates the health of the inner layer of the cornea when clinically indicated.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery
Depending on your health and the requirements of your surgical center, you may need a medical evaluation or clearance before surgery. Your surgical team will give you specific instructions about medications, eating and drinking, transportation, and eye drops.
Do not assume that generic fasting or medication instructions apply to you. Follow the instructions provided by your own surgeon and anesthesia team.
The Day of Cataract Surgery
Before Surgery
- Your vital signs will be checked.
- The surgical eye will be confirmed with you.
- Dilating and other prescribed eye drops will be administered.
- Your eye will be cleaned and prepared for surgery.
If You Are Having Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
- You will lie face-up under the laser system.
- A suction interface is placed on the eye to couple it to the laser. Temporary pressure is common.
- The laser system takes images and performs its programmed treatment.
- You may notice lights during the laser portion.
- Your vision may become blurry after the laser treatment. This is expected because the cataract has been fragmented as part of the procedure.
The Cataract Operation
- You will usually lie face-up on the operating table.
- Numbing eye drops and other local anesthesia are used. IV medication may be used to help you relax, depending on the anesthesia plan.
- The surgeon makes small openings in the eye and uses specialized instruments to access the cataract.
- A viscoelastic gel is used to maintain the space and protect the eye during surgery.
- The surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens using cataract-removal techniques, commonly involving ultrasound and aspiration.
- The new intraocular lens is inserted into the natural lens capsule.
- The surgeon removes remaining viscoelastic material and checks the surgical wounds.
- A protective shield may be placed over the eye.
Immediately After Cataract Surgery
- You will spend some time in a postoperative recovery area.
- You will need a designated driver or other transportation arranged according to your surgical center’s instructions.
- Your vision may be blurry initially, and mild irritation or light sensitivity can occur.
- You will receive postoperative instructions and medications from your surgical team.
The Day After Cataract Surgery
Your surgeon or their clinical team will typically examine the eye and assess several important factors, which may include:
- Vision and corneal clarity
- Eye pressure
- Position and stability of the IOL
- Signs of inflammation or infection
Cataract Surgery Recovery
Recovery varies from person to person. Vision may improve quickly, but the eye can continue to change during the healing period. Your surgeon will tell you when to resume specific activities, when to use postoperative drops, and when follow-up examinations are needed.
When to Contact Your Eye Surgeon
Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding postoperative symptoms and when to call. New or worsening vision loss, significant pain, increasing redness, marked light sensitivity, or other concerning symptoms should be reported promptly to your surgical team.
Important: This website provides general educational information and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Your actual cataract surgery experience and postoperative instructions may differ. Follow the instructions given by your own ophthalmologist, surgical center, and anesthesia team.
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