Does cataract surgery hurt?

No. The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops or an injection, so you should not feel pain. You stay awake but will not be able to see the details of what is happening, and the team will keep you comfortable throughout.

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

Most people see more clearly within a few days, though it can take four to six weeks to settle fully. You will use eye drops for a few weeks to prevent infection and inflammation, and should avoid rubbing the eye and swimming while it heals.

Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

Many people still need glasses for some tasks, such as reading. The type of replacement lens used affects this, so it is worth discussing your options with your surgeon before the operation.

Can a cataract come back after surgery?

The cataract itself cannot return because the lens is removed. Months or years later, some people develop cloudiness in the membrane behind the new lens, which causes similar symptoms and is easily corrected with a quick, painless laser treatment.

Cataract surgery | HealthAnswers

Quick answer

What is cataract surgery used for?

Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens inside your eye and replaces it with a clear artificial one. It is one of the most common and successful operations in the UK, usually done while you are awake under local anaesthetic and taking about 30 to 45 minutes. Most people go home the same day and notice clearer vision within a few days.

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens that has formed inside your eye and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, which stays in permanently. It is one of the most commonly performed and most successful operations in the UK.

Why it is done

Surgery is offered when a cataract is affecting your daily life — for example making reading, driving or recognising faces harder. There is no need to wait until the cataract is “ripe”; the right time is when your sight is bothering you and you are ready.

Before the operation

Beforehand you will have an assessment that measures your eye to choose the right replacement lens. This is also the time to discuss what you want from your vision afterwards, as different lenses suit different needs.

On the day

The operation usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is done as a day case, so you go home the same day. The eye is numbed, you stay awake, and the surgeon makes a tiny opening, gently breaks up and removes the cloudy lens, and inserts the new one. Stitches are often not needed.

Recovery

You will be given eye drops to use for a few weeks to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. While the eye heals it helps to:

avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye
avoid swimming and dusty or dirty environments for a few weeks
follow the advice you are given about driving and returning to work

Vision often improves within a few days, settling fully over a few weeks.

Risks and when to seek help

Cataract surgery is very safe, but as with any operation there are small risks. Get urgent advice if after surgery you have increasing pain, worsening vision, increasing redness or a sticky discharge, as these can signal a rare infection that needs prompt treatment.

Common questions

Does cataract surgery hurt?: No. The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops or an injection, so you should not feel pain. You stay awake but will not be able to see the details of what is happening, and the team will keep you comfortable throughout.
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?: Most people see more clearly within a few days, though it can take four to six weeks to settle fully. You will use eye drops for a few weeks to prevent infection and inflammation, and should avoid rubbing the eye and swimming while it heals.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?: Many people still need glasses for some tasks, such as reading. The type of replacement lens used affects this, so it is worth discussing your options with your surgeon before the operation.
Can a cataract come back after surgery?: The cataract itself cannot return because the lens is removed. Months or years later, some people develop cloudiness in the membrane behind the new lens, which causes similar symptoms and is easily corrected with a quick, painless laser treatment.

Sources

NHS — Cataract surgery