What happens during cataract eye surgery?

Cataract surgery is a quick procedure that is complete within 1 hour:

• Drops will be put into your eye to dilate the pupil and the area around the eye will be washed

• Most cataract patients choose to be awake during their eye surgery, others may request to be put to sleep

• For those who choose to stay awake, eye drops will be used to numb the areas around the eye and pupil

• A small incision is made in the eye and a probe is inserted

• The probe uses ultrasound waves to break up the cataract to allow for easy removal of the cataract and the damaged eye lens

• Once the cataract extraction is complete and the lens removed, an intraocular lens is placed inside the lens capsule -the pouch that holds the natural eye lens

If there are no complications from cataract surgery, patients can return home the same day. Immediately after cataract operations vision is blurred and opthalmologists recommend the patient has somebody to assist them.

Cataract Surgery Procedure

Other FAQs

• What happens after cataract eye surgery?
• Can problems develop after cataract surgery?
• How is a cataract diagnosed?
• What are the symptoms of a cataract?
• How much does cataract surgery cost?
• What are possible side effects of cataract surgery?
• What can I do to protect my vision?
• What exactly is a cataract?
• Are cataracts found only in older people?
• Is cataract surgery serious?
• When will I be able to resume normal activities?
• How often do I need to have my eyes checked after eye surgery?
• Will I need to have cataract surgery again?
• Am I at risk for developing cataracts?
• Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
• What is a Multifocal IOL?
• What is a Monofocal IOL?
• What is an IOL?
• Monofocal vs. Multifocal
• NHS or private cataract extraction?
• What is a congenital cataract?
• Will I develop a cataract if I have diabetes?
• How will diabetes affect my cataract extraction surgery?
• Will cataracts make me blind?
• How quickly do cataracts develop?
• Does computer use cause cataracts?
• Can cataracts be removed with laser?
• Can a cataract return?
• Do I need glasses after cataract extraction?
• Do congenital cataracts in children need removing?

Share this faq