Surgery and recovery
Cataract surgery is commonly performed as a day procedure. Your own care instructions take priority because recovery and precautions vary between patients.
What happens during the operation?
Through a very small opening, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens—most often by breaking it into small pieces with ultrasound and gently removing them. The new IOL is then placed inside the lens capsule. The operation is usually performed on one eye at a time. If both eyes need surgery, the timing for the second eye is planned individually.
The first days and weeks
Blurred vision for a short time, mild grittiness, watering and light sensitivity can occur after surgery and should gradually improve. You will usually be given eye drops and a follow-up plan. Use the drops exactly as prescribed, wash your hands before using them, and attend all reviews.
- Do not rub or press on the operated eye.
- Do not drive until your clinician confirms that your vision meets the required standard.
- Protect the eye as instructed, including any shield provided for sleeping.
- Avoid getting water, soap or cosmetics into the eye until your care team says it is safe.
- Ask when you may restart exercise, swimming, heavy lifting and work; this depends on the operation and your recovery.
Benefits, limits and risks
Cataract surgery is generally successful at improving vision affected by the cataract. However, every operation has risks, and the result may be limited by other eye disease. Possible complications include inflammation, pressure changes, infection, bleeding, swelling at the retina, retinal detachment, movement of the IOL, an unexpected glasses prescription, and clouding of the capsule behind the IOL. Some problems can be treated with drops, laser treatment or further surgery; serious permanent loss of vision is rare but possible.
When to contact your eye-care team urgently
Seek urgent eye-care advice if you develop severe or increasing pain, a sudden drop in vision, worsening redness, increasing light sensitivity, new flashes or a sudden shower of floaters, or a dark curtain/shadow in your vision. Do not wait for your next routine appointment.
Clouding after surgery
Months or years after surgery, the capsule behind the implanted lens can become cloudy and make vision hazy again. This is not a new cataract. If it affects vision, an eye specialist may recommend a short laser procedure called YAG capsulotomy.
This page is general patient education. Individual risks, medicines and recovery instructions must be discussed with your treating ophthalmologist.