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A patient receives an eye examination

How long does cataract surgery take?

09/11/25
Cataract surgery takes about 1 hour, plus preparation before the procedure and recovery time afterwards. Here’s what to expect.

Cataracts can cause cloudy vision, which can make it hard to do everyday activities. In the United States, about half of people by age 80 have cataracts or have had cataract surgery.

Cataracts happen when the lens of the eye, which is usually clear and helps focus light onto the retina, gets cloudy. The cloudy part of the lens is called a cataract. There are several types of cataracts, but age-related cataracts are most common.

The only way to remove cataracts is through surgery. During surgery, a physician will replace the lens of the affected eye with an artificial one. It’s one of the most common and safe surgeries in the United States.

Nine out of 10 people have better vision after cataract surgery. Some even say that colors look brighter afterward.

An ophthalmologist may recommend cataract surgery to help a person see better or manage other eye health issues, like diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.

It’s a good idea for a person to discuss their needs with a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care. The physician can help determine whether cataract surgery is the right choice for them.

Preparing for cataract surgery

A healthcare team will always provide instructions on how to get ready for cataract surgery. The instructions can cover:

  • Eye care visit: The person gets tests done a week before surgery to help the physician choose the right artificial lens.
  • Stopping certain medications: The healthcare team will ask the person to stop taking any medications that could pose a risk during or after cataract surgery. These may include medications that can increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Fasting a few hours beforehand: The healthcare team will let the person know what they can and can’t eat or drink in the hours leading up to surgery.
  • Arranging ahead of time to have someone accompany the person: The person will need help getting home safely, since they won’t be able to drive or see properly afterward. Many people bring a friend or family member.
  • Eye drops: The person may have to use prescription eye drops before the procedure to help prevent infection.
  • How to clean the eye area at home: Washing around the eyes with a gentle soap, like baby shampoo, can help reduce germs in the area before surgery.

Cataract surgery

Most people are awake for this surgery. Here’s what typically happens during and right after the procedure:

  • The person may get medicine to help them stay calm and relaxed.
  • The operating physician applies special eye drops to numb the eye.
  • The physician makes a tiny cut in the eye and removes the cloudy lens.
  • They insert a new artificial lens into the eye.
  • Once the surgery is complete, the person rests in a recovery area while the medical team monitors them.
  • The person can go home the same day. Since they’ll not be able to see properly, they’ll need someone to accompany them for the trip home.

Surgery for cataracts in both eyes

People who are getting cataract surgery in both eyes need to have the surgery on one eye at a time. The surgeries are usually spaced at least a week apart.

Cataract surgery recovery

The healthcare team will recommend steps to take during recovery over the few weeks following surgery, including:

  • Wearing protective eyewear
  • Applying eye drops regularly to promote healing
  • Avoiding certain activities, like heavy lifting, bending over or touching the eye

Recovery timeline

  • Right after surgery: A friend or family member takes the person home to rest.
  • First 1 to 2 days after surgery: The eye may feel sensitive, itchy or uncomfortable. Eye discharge is also common.
  • 0 to 8 weeks after surgery: The person can likely go back to their everyday activities within a few days after surgery. Since vision may continue to be blurry for a few days or weeks as the eye adjusts, they should ask their doctor when it’s safe to drive again.
  • 8 weeks after surgery: Most people are completely healed by this time.
  • Vision correction after healing: The person may need a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses after they’ve healed from cataract surgery.

It’s usual for vision to be blurry during recovery. People typically have one or more follow-up appointments scheduled during their recovery so their eye healthcare team can check in on their progress.

Secondary cataracts

Sometimes, new scar tissue forms in the weeks, months or years after cataract surgery. This is called a secondary cataract. It happens in about 2 out of every 5 people who have cataract surgery.

An ophthalmologist can remove these with a quick, painless laser surgery. Vision usually gets better within a few days.

When to call a physician

Certain symptoms aren’t common after cataract surgery. If a person experiences any of these issues, they should call their eye doctor:

  • Loss of vision
  • Severe pain that doesn’t go away with medication
  • Very red eyes
  • Seeing flashes of light
  • Seeing dark spots or squiggly lines

Takeaway

Cataract surgery is a very safe procedure that improves vision in 9 out of 10 people who get it. The person can leave the surgery center soon after the procedure with the help of a friend or family member.

Vision usually improves quickly, although it may remain blurry for a while. Most people heal completely within 8 weeks.

Some people may develop secondary cataracts after cataract surgery, but a quick and painless procedure can remove them.

Ophthalmology deals with the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat both medical and surgical eye problems in patients of all ages. At Crystal Run, our ophthalmology team consists of highly skilled physicians who are fellowship-trained in anterior segment surgery (for cataracts and other eye problems) and glaucoma (a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness). Our ophthalmologists offer complete medical and surgical eye care, from simple evaluations for eyeglasses to complex and delicate eye surgery.