How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?

If you’re looking at cataract surgery in the near or distant future, then you’ll be likely to have a ton of questions. Along with all the regular ones (Will it hurt? What’s the recovery period? Can I drive afterward? What’s the success rate, etc.?) you’ll be sure to want to know how long the actual operation will take.

The simple answer is… Not very long. Less than 30 minutes for each eye, including all the on-the-day prep. In fact, the preparation takes longer than the operation itself.

Cataract surgery is usually carried out in the eye doctor’s office on an outpatient basis, meaning you don’t have to stay overnight. The following discusses it in a bit more detail, so helping alleviate any concerns that you’re naturally going to have.

Important FAQs: how long does cataract surgery take?

• Preparation
• The cataract operation
• Post-op care

Preparation

The prep for a cataract operation commences when your surgeon assesses you as ripe for surgery. A date will be set, and, in some cases, you might need to refrain from taking certain medications a few days prior to this. This is especially relevant if you take an anticoagulant (blood thinners), such as warfarin, apixaban, edoxaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, etc.

The procedure will be carried out in the doctor’s office under a local anesthetic (and possible mild sedation, if necessary). Your ophthalmologist will have already carried out various elements before the day but will confirm details once again when you arrive.

This set-up takes longer than the cataract op itself! First, your eye will be numbed with special drops. They’ll be given a few minutes to take full effect. You may also be given a mild sedative to help you relax. Then an instrument will be fitted over the eye to ensure it remains open throughout, so you don’t blink while the surgery is taking place. It doesn’t hurt, although it can feel a little strange. All of this prep takes around 15-20 minutes.

If you’re having laser-assisted cataract surgery and, perhaps, treatment for astigmatism at the same time, the computer will intricately map the interior structures of the eye. Whether you have a traditional or laser procedure, the actual op only takes minutes.

The cataract operation

As already said, this happens really fast—in a matter of minutes—and you won’t feel a thing. You’ll be asked to stare at a certain point (usually a light in front of you) throughout. If you’re being treated for astigmatism too, this will take a few minutes more.

Once completed, your eye will be covered with a shield, which you’ll have to wear for around 24 hours. It’s a bit like a shallow concave cup that ensures you can’t rub or touch the area during the critical early healing process. You won’t be able to drive straight away, so will need a friend or family member (or cab) to take you home. You’ll be observed for a while before leaving—up to a couple of hours—just so your surgeon can be satisfied all is well.

Post-op care

Post-operative care is the key to great recovery. Before you leave, you’ll be given eye drops and instructions on how to keep the eye clean. You’ll be reassessed by the surgeon 24-48 hours after the procedure to ensure the healing process is proceeding as planned. You’ll be advised to use over-the-counter analgesia to deal with any discomfort, although this should only last for a few days.

Your ophthalmologist will also provide you with special eye drops. These must be taken as prescribed. You should also refrain from bending, picking up anything heavy, or undertaking any strenuous exercise for a few days.

The healing process takes around 6-8 weeks to fully evolve. During this time you’ll be able to gradually return to normality. It often surprises many people how quickly they recover. You’ll be encouraged to use the eye as normal almost straight away, meaning you can read, use a computer, watch TV, etc. pretty much from the outset. Driving is usually possible anything from 24-48 hours post-op, as long as you feel safe to do so. Gentle exercise, such as walking, is encouraged after the first week. Don’t get water in the eye or wear makeup for the first month.

By 8 weeks you should be completely recovered and taking advantage of your new-found great eyesight…

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