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What happens during cataract surgery?

Knowing what will happen makes the day much easier, for you and for the family member who comes with you. This guide walks through cataract surgery from the first check-up to going home. It describes the usual pattern; your surgeon will give you instructions for your own eye. For an overview, see cataract surgery in Vasco, Goa.

What happens before the surgery day?

First comes a complete eye check-up and a talk with our eye surgeon about whether surgery is needed, which method (phaco or SICS) suits your eye, and which lens. Then:

• The lens power test. The length of your eye and the curve of your cornea are measured, so the new lens has the right power. See the lens power test.
• Health checks. Blood sugar and blood pressure should be steady. Some people also need a fitness note from their physician.
• Medicines. Keep taking your usual medicines for BP, diabetes, heart or thyroid unless you are told otherwise. If you take blood thinners, tell the surgeon, and never stop them without your physician's advice.
• Drops. You may be asked to start eye drops a day or two before surgery.
• An escort. Arrange for an adult to come with you and take you home.

How should I prepare the day before and on the morning?

• Wash your hair the day before, because you will need to keep water away from the eye for some days.
• Eat a light meal before you come, unless you are told otherwise. If you have diabetes, do not skip meals or medicines without advice.
• Do not apply kajal, surma, face cream or make-up around the eyes.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes, ideally a shirt or top that opens at the front, and leave jewellery at home.
• Bring your medicine list, reports, spectacles and the papers you were given.

What happens when I arrive?

You check in and your details are confirmed, including which eye is being operated. Drops are put in to widen (dilate) the pupil, which can take a while to work. Your blood pressure is checked, and your sugar if you have diabetes. The surgery and its risks are explained again, you can ask questions, and you sign the consent form.

How is the eye numbed?

Cataract surgery is done under local anaesthesia, so you stay awake. The eye is numbed with drops, and sometimes also with an injection near the eye, given after numbing drops. The injection may sting for a moment; after it, the eye and lids may stay numb and still for a few hours. If you feel very anxious, tell the team.

What happens in the operation theatre?

1. You lie on your back on the operating table, with your head supported. Tell the team if you have back pain or find it hard to lie flat.
2. The skin around the eye is cleaned with antiseptic, which may feel cold.
3. A sterile sheet covers your face, leaving the eye open. It is arranged so that you can breathe comfortably.
4. A small clip gently holds the eyelids open, so you do not have to try.
5. Under a microscope, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens by phaco or SICS and puts the new lens in place. Read how each method works in phaco or SICS.
6. The surgery itself often takes about 15 to 30 minutes, sometimes longer.

You are asked to keep still and look towards the light. If you need to cough, sneeze or move, say so first and the surgeon will pause.

What will I feel and see during surgery?

Because the eye is numbed, most people feel little more than touch or pressure, and perhaps cool fluid running over the eye. You do not see the instruments clearly; most people see a bright light, colours and some movement. If you feel discomfort at any point, tell the team, because more numbing can be given.

What happens after the surgery?

A shield or pad is put over the eye, and you rest for a short while. You are given your eye drops, a schedule for using them, and written instructions. Then your escort takes you home; do not drive. Plan for the whole visit to take a few hours.

When the numbing wears off, mild grittiness, watering or an ache are common, and vision is often blurred on the first day. The first check is usually the next day or soon after, and more follow-ups are planned over the next weeks. What to do at home is in precautions after cataract surgery.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a common, well-established operation, and serious problems are uncommon. Like every operation, it has risks, and your surgeon explains them for your eye. They include infection inside the eye (rare but serious), inflammation, a rise in eye pressure, swelling of the cornea or the centre of the retina, a tear in the capsule, a lens that moves out of place, and rarely retinal detachment. Some people later develop clouding of the capsule behind the lens, which is treated with a YAG laser.

Call us at once, day or night, if you have increasing pain, worsening vision, increasing redness, discharge, flashes of light or a shadow over your vision. Emergency eye care at ReNew Vision is available 24 hours: see eye emergency.

How do I book?

Start with a cataract check-up at ReNew Vision Eye Hospital, Vaddem, Vasco da Gama. The eye OPD is open Monday to Saturday, 4 pm to 7 pm. Call or WhatsApp 072489 88039.

Questions patients ask

Am I awake during cataract surgery?

Yes. Cataract surgery is done under local anaesthesia, so you are awake but the eye is numb. You see light and movement rather than the instruments, and you can talk to the team if you need to.

Does cataract surgery hurt?

The eye is numbed, so most people feel little more than touch or pressure. An injection near the eye, if used, may sting briefly. Mild grittiness or ache after the numbing wears off is common; tell us if it gets worse.

How long does cataract surgery take?

The surgery itself often takes about 15 to 30 minutes, sometimes longer. With dilating drops, preparation and rest afterwards, plan for the whole visit to take a few hours.

Can I eat before cataract surgery?

Usually a light meal is fine because the surgery is done under local anaesthesia, but follow the instructions you are given. If you have diabetes, do not skip meals or medicines without advice.

Can I go home the same day after cataract surgery?

Most people go home the same day. You need an adult to take you home, and you should not drive. The first check is usually the next day or soon after.

This page is general eye-health information, not personal medical advice. Your eye doctor advises you after examining your eyes.