Cataract surgery generally lasts under an hour, usually 10-15 minutes. You will be given local anesthetics to numb the area around your eye and sometimes a sedative to help you relax. There are several factors that can affect cataract surgery operating time including how advanced the cataract is, your medical health, and even your pupil size. It is important to follow any pre-operative instructions given to you by your doctor to ensure the procedure runs as smoothly as possible.

Recovery time after cataract surgery is usually very quick, and within a few days most patients can return to their daily activities, with vision improving over time. You may experience some mild discomfort after cataract surgery, such as itching or inflammation, so your doctor may prescribe eye drops to help prevent infection. After surgery, your doctor will monitor your healing progress at scheduled appointments a day or two after surgery, the following week, and then again after one month.

If you have cataracts, you have an important choice to make when it comes to the kind of vision you want after cataract surgery. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options as well as your vision goals if you are considering cataract surgery.