Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries in the world. It’s a quick, safe, and effective solution for restoring blurry or cloudy vision that stems from cataract development. In fact, it’s one of the few eye conditions we can treat entirely, thanks to the power of cataract surgery.
Although cataract surgery requires care, precision, and attention, it’s relatively simple and far less complex than other surgeries.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients are welcome to go home (with a driver) after the surgery. Once inside the operating room, the procedure itself takes less than 10-15 minutes per eye with our lead surgeon at Vector Eye Centre.
On the day of cataract surgery, from arriving at your appointment to leaving our door, the entire process can usually take up to 2-3 hours.
How Long Does Cataract Assessment Take?
Cataract surgery requires a series of comprehensive screenings, which is a crucial first step.
During a cataract assessment, your ophthalmologist will evaluate the severity of the cataract and eye health to determine whether you are a good candidate for surgery.
Here’s what you can expect during this visit:
- Comprehensive eye exam: We examine your eye muscles, retina, and cornea.
- Vision testing: We evaluate your vision to measure how the cataract affects your daily life. As the cataract becomes more severe, your visual sharpness becomes fuzzier, and updated corrective lenses often won’t help.
- IOL discussion: This procedure requires us to replace the clouded lens with an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), which comes in several options. Your choice will depend on whether you want monofocal, toric, extended depth of focus, multifocal, or light adjustable lenses, and what your doctor indicates you qualify for.
This entire assessment can range from 1.5–2 hours, depending on your unique needs. It’s a crucial part of the process, as it lets us tailor the surgery specifically for your eyes.
Cataract Removal: The Surgical Procedure
Once inside the operating room, cataract surgery is impressively quick. The procedure itself takes around 10-15 minutes, or less, per eye.
Here’s a closer look at what happens during this operation:
Preparation & Anaesthesia
Before the surgery begins, you’ll receive a local anesthetic most likely as eye drops, or in some select cases, an injection around the eye. This is so you won’t feel any pain during surgery. You may also receive a mild sedative to help relax.
Incision & Lens Removal
Once the anesthetic kicks in, and after your ophthalmologist walks you through the entire procedure (one more time, for reassurance), they will make a very small incision in the cornea.
A technique known as phacoemulsification is used to break up the cloudy lens using ultrasound waves, and then the fragments are carefully removed.
Artificial Lens Placement
Once your ophthalmologist removes the natural lens, we insert the IOL (artificial) implant of your choosing. This flexible lens provides clear vision, and under ideal circumstances, it is meant to last for years.
Once in its place, the incision heals naturally without needing stitches.
Part of why cataract surgery stands out is how it immediately improves your vision. It may take a day or 2 for the initial blurriness to subside, but many patients notice a remarkable improvement in their vision almost instantly.
After cataract surgery, recovery becomes most important. Thankfully, this isn’t too complex.
Cataract Surgery Recovery Time
It may sound surprising given how the actual procedure plays out, but, for most people, recovering from cataract surgery is typically quick. Here’s what you can expect:
- The first 24–48 hours: After surgery, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort, such as itchiness (do not rub your eyes!) or blurry vision. These symptoms typically subside within the first couple of days.
- The first week: Most of the healing occurs by the end of this first week. By this time, most patients can resume light activities.
- A full recovery: Although many people’s vision improves within a week, full recovery can take 4–6 weeks. During this time, your eye will fully heal, and you’ll adjust to your new lens.
Your ophthalmologist will monitor your progress with follow-up appointments to make sure everything is healing as expected.
If you experience any pain, discomfort, or blurry or fluctuating vision that persists, please call us immediately.
Eye Drops After Cataract Surgery
Eye drops play a significant role in the healing from cataract surgery. Your surgeon will likely prescribe 4 types of drops:
- Antibiotic drops: These help prevent infections and should be used as directed, usually multiple times a day for 1 week.
- Steroid & Anti-inflammatory drops: These drops are prescribed several weeks post-surgery to reduce swelling.
- Lubricating drops: These manage dryness or itchiness, which are common side effects during the healing process.
Your eye is particularly sensitive at this time. Do not rub or touch your eyes. Beyond further irritation, you could risk dislodging the IOL implant altogether.
For a healthy and full recovery, it’s essential to follow your prescribed schedule accurately. Missing doses can cause complications or delay healing.
Cataract Surgery Timelines: FAQs
These are a handful of common questions during initial consultations, on the day of surgery, and at follow-up appointments.
There is no such thing as a “silly” question because your visual health and full recovery matter. If you’re uncertain about a specific question or would like clarification, please do not hesitate to ask.
Question: How long after cataract surgery can you bend over?
Answer: Bending over can increase pressure in the eye. Most surgeons recommend avoiding bending for the first 2 weeks post-surgery.
Question: How long after surgery can you fly?
Answer: Depending on your doctor’s orders, you can typically fly 2 weeks after surgery. Please check with your ophthalmologist beforehand, as cabin pressure could affect healing during the early stages.
Question: How long after surgery can you drive?
Answer: You should avoid driving for 2 weeks after surgery. Although vision can be restored in a few days, it’s better to wait until your eye doctor gives you the green light to get behind the wheel during your follow-up appointments.
Question: How soon can you resume exercise?
Answer: Light walking is fine within days of surgery, but avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks to prevent strain.
Question: Will I need glasses after surgery?
Answer: This truly depends on the chosen IOL implant. Monofocal lenses correct distance vision, but you may still need reading glasses. Multifocal lenses, extended depth of focus and light adjustable lenses all offer distance and middle correction, and also some correction for near vision, lowering the need for glasses.
If eliminating the need for glasses is what you’re after, we can discuss it during your consultation.
A Clearer Tomorrow Awaits
Cataract surgery is a quick procedure that can restore your vision, improve your quality of life, and give you back the vibrant views you may have been missing.
By understanding the timelines—from the initial assessment to full recovery—you can feel confident and prepared as you move forward with the process.If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more about the procedure, connect with the Vector Eye Centre to book your consultation today!
