Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the lens of your eye and, in most cases, replace it with an artificial lens. Normally, the lens of your eye is clear. A cataract causes the lens to become cloudy, which eventually affects your vision. Cataract surgery is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on an outpatient basis, which means you don't have to stay in the hospital after the surgery. Cataract surgery is very common and is generally a safe procedure.

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a type of eye surgery to remove a cataract (cloudy lens). Your eye, like a camera, has a lens for focusing light. This lens is normally clear. When this lens turns cloudy, it's called a “cataract.” Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, restoring your vision. In vision, light passes through a clear lens on the eye. The lens focuses the light so your brain and eye can process information into a picture. When a the lens becomes cloudy, the eye can’t focus light. You end up with blurry vision or other symptoms like glare an halos around bright lights.

What is an intraocular lens?

The intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that replaces the cloudy natural lens. It is flexible and often rolled to be placed into the eye through a smaller incision.

Who needs cataract surgery?

You may need cataract surgery if cataracts are causing vision problems that interfere with your activities, like driving or reading. Your provider also may need to remove a cataract to see the back of your eye and help manage other eye conditions, such as:

• Age-related changes in the retina (the tissue at the back of the eye).
• Diabetes-related retinopathy, an eye condition affecting people with diabetes.

What happens before cataract surgery?

Before cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist:

• Will measure your eye to find the correct focusing power for your IOL.
• Will ask about medications you take.
• May prescribe eyedrops to prevent infection and reduce eye swelling.

What happens during cataract surgery?

You may have to fast (not eat or drink) for a few hours before the surgery. Your provider may also ask you to stop taking certain medications for a few days. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you go home shortly after the surgery. You’ll need someone to come with you who can drive you home. Here’s what to expect during the surgery:

1. Numbing medication: Your provider numbs the eye with drops or an injection. You may also get medication to help you relax. You will be awake during the surgery and see light and movement. But you won’t see what the ophthalmologist is doing to your eye. The surgery won’t hurt.
2. Cataract removal: Your provider uses a special microscope to see your eye. They create tiny incisions to reach the lens. Then they use ultrasound waves to break up the lens and remove it. Finally, they place the new lens.
3. Recovery: You won’t need stitches. The tiny incisions close by themselves. Your provider will tape a shield (like an eye patch) over your eye to protect it.

How long does cataract surgery last?

The actual cataract removal only takes a few minutes. The entire procedure often takes less than 20 to 30 minutes.

What happens after cataract surgery?

Most people go home within about 30 minutes after the surgery. You can typically remove the eye shield by the next day, although you may need to wear it while you sleep. You will need to use special eyedrops for about four weeks after surgery. It can take a few days to weeks for your vision to clear up. Other temporary side effects include:

• Blurred or double vision.
• Gritty feeling in your eyes.
• Red or bloodshot eyes.
• Watery eyes.

Cataract surgery recovery?

An uncomplicated cataract surgery procedure only takes about 15 minutes. You can expect to be at the surgical center for 90 minutes or longer, since extra time will be needed for preparation, along with a post-operative evaluation and recovery instructions.You will need to have someone drive you home after cataract surgery. To protect your eye from sunlight and other bright light as it recovers, the facility will give you a special pair of post-operative sunglasses.You will need to use special medicated eye drops for a few weeks. You'll also need to wear your protective eye shield while sleeping or napping for the first week or so.You might experience some eye redness and blurred vision while your eye heals during the first few days or even weeks after surgery.During at least the first week of your recovery, you will need to avoid:

• Strenuous activity and any lifting over 25 pounds.
• Bending, exercising and any other activities that can stress the eye.
• Exposing your eye to water, since it can cause an infection. You'll need to keep your eye closed while showering or bathing. Avoid swimming or sitting in a hot tub for at least two weeks.
• Any activity that would expose your healing eye to dust, grime or other infection-causing contaminants.

Your cataract surgeon may give you additional instructions, depending on your specific needs and the type of procedure performed.