How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take? 

Cataract surgery is a commonly performed procedure that’s usually carried out in the eye doctor’s office. It’s done on an outpatient basis, meaning you don’t have to stay overnight. The actual procedure only takes a few minutes—in fact, the preparation takes longer than the operation itself.

Of course, any op is bound to make you feel a bit anxious, no matter how well-prepared you are for it. Understanding exactly what will happen can go a long way to easing any nerves. So let’s look at what to expect when you go for your cataract operation.

How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take? (and Other FAQs)

• Pre-op and the cataract surgery procedure
• Post-operative care

Pre-op and the cataract surgery procedure

Getting you prepped for cataract surgery is the longest part of the process. Your ophthalmologist surgeon will have already carried out various elements before the day but will confirm details once again when you arrive.

Once the formalities have been done, it’s time to get you ready. You’ll have special drops put in your eye that will make it and the surrounding area go numb. You may also be given a mild sedative to help you relax.

Once these have taken effect, an instrument will be placed over your eye to keep it open. This is so you don’t blink while the surgery is taking place. It doesn’t hurt but is likely to feel a little odd. All of this prep takes around 15-20 minutes, after which the cataract operation will be performed.

Whether you’re having a traditional procedure or laser-assisted cataract surgery, this only takes a few minutes. You’ll be asked to stare at a certain point (usually a light in front of you) throughout and you won’t feel a thing. Once the op is finished, a dressing will be placed over the eye—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.

Post-operative care

You’ll remain in the doctor’s office for up to a couple of hours for observation. You won’t be able to drive for a day or two, so will need a lift home. Before you leave, you’ll be given eye drops, instructions on how to keep the eye clean, and possibly some analgesia (although most people only need over-the-counter painkillers for a day or two).

You’ll return for a post-op appointment 24-48 hours later, just so the surgeon can check the healing process is proceeding as planned. In the vast majority of cases, you’ll be back to gentle activities within a week or so and completely healed within 6-8 weeks. 

It often surprises many people how quickly they recover. Plus, you’ll be encouraged to use the eye as normal almost straight away. This means you can read, use a computer, watch TV, etc. pretty much from the outset. You should also be able to drive again within 24-48 hours. The only thing you’ll have to refrain from in the first couple of weeks is not to undertake any strenuous exercise or lifting anything heavy.

After a short few weeks it’ll be like nothing ever happened—except that, of course, your eyesight will be so much better…

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