What Happens During Cataract Surgery: A Step-by-Step Patient Guide

07 June,2025

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries, helping thousands of patients regain clear vision each year. Many believe surgery is safe and effective, yet few truly grasp what occurs during an operation. Even when the procedure is brief and less invasive, some individuals may still feel anxious due to their lack of understanding.

Explaining the details of cataract surgery can help patients feel emotionally prepared for what is to come. The guide explains in detail the different stages, equipment, and methods surgeons use to take out the cloudy lens and improve your vision. Before delving into the details, let's first understand what a cataract is and its associated symptoms. 

What is a Cataract?

When proteins in the eye’s lens stick together, it forms a cataract and prevents light from passing through correctly. The cloudiness in the eye grows worse, resulting in poorer vision over time. 

Signs and symptoms that people often report are:

• Having a vision that is not bright or clear
• Trouble seeing in dark settings
• Being affected by glare or bright lights
• Yellowing, discoloration, or distortion
• Seeing two images with one eye

While cataracts cannot be prevented, the power of early detection through regular eye exams cannot be overstated. These exams play a crucial role in identifying cataracts in their early stages, allowing for timely intervention and the best possible outcome. Should surgery be necessary, it remains the only option to improve vision.

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Tips for What to Expect Before Cataract Surgery

Before the operation, various tests and evaluations are performed. When a cataract needs to be removed, you will be given a series of tests.

• Visual Acuity Test: Checks the sharpness of how you see.
• Slit-lamp examination: This helps the doctor see the tiny structures inside your eye.
• Tests for Intraocular Pressure: Examination for glaucoma, as this eye disease is a common concern for individuals with cataracts.
• Retinal Evaluation: The retina is checked to ensure it remains healthy, which becomes critical if a cataract blocks your vision.
• Biometry: Special measurements of your eye shape and size to find the correct intraocular lens implant power.

Both lenticular shapes and types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) may also be discussed during this stage. Types of lenses may include monofocal (for distant vision), multifocal (for both near and distant vision), or toric (for correcting astigmatism). 

When deciding on the type of lens, your habits, what you want from life, and your budget are all taken into account. For instance, if you lead an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities, a multifocal lens might be more suitable. If you have a specific budget, we can discuss the options that best fit your financial plan.

Pre-Surgical Instructions

You may be required to take certain safety actions, such as:

• Patients should consult their healthcare provider before stopping any medications, including blood thinners, as this decision depends on individual health factors and the type of anesthesia used.
• Adhere to the prescribed eye drops to decrease any infection and swelling.
• The doctor may advise you not to eat or drink anything for some hours prior to the surgery, especially if sedation will be involved.

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Overview of How Cataract Surgery Is Carried Out

You usually go home the same day after a 15- to 30-minute cataract surgery. A local anesthetic is administered to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure while staying awake.

Step 1: Administering the Anesthesia and Preparing the Eyes

Eye drops or a local anesthetic are used before the surgery to numb the eye. It enables you to experience no discomfort during the medical procedure. Gentle pressure from the eyelid speculum will keep your eyelids stretched open, and your doctor will wipe your eye area with sterilized instruments to cut down the risk of infection.

Step 2: Creating a Small Incision

Typically, the surgeon makes a small incision, approximately 2-3 millimeters wide, on the side of the cornea. Such a small incision is closed automatically, so stitches are usually not needed.

Step 3: Capsulorhexis — Opening the Lens Capsule

An opening is created in the anterior capsule (the front part of the thin, transparent membrane surrounding the lens) so the needle may enter. Now, you can look inside at the cloudy lens.

Step 4: Phacoemulsification — Breaking Up the Cataract

The surgeon uses ultrasound power to break the lens into many small pieces. From the incision, these pieces are softly suctioned until none are seen. The use of phacoemulsification significantly reduces damage to the eye and results in a faster recovery compared to older approaches.

Step 5: Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation

After the cataract is gone, the surgeon puts the intraocular lens through the original incision. The IOL is removed from its case, placed inside the lens capsule, and carefully adjusted for optimal vision.

Step 6: Close the Incision

Since the cut is very small and the eye stays sealed by pressure, minimal sutures are needed. Very small stitches are sometimes required if the wound is very small.

The Expected Recovery After Surgery

After cataract surgery, you will spend some time in a recovery area before heading home the same day. It’s normal to feel mild irritation, itching, or watery eyes initially. For several days, your vision may appear hazy or unfocused as your eye heals.

Your cataract surgery doctor might use medicated eye drops or administer medication directly into your eye. You will receive antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops to apply for several weeks, which will help reduce the risk of infection and manage swelling, thereby assisting in the healing process.

This line graph illustrates the progressive improvement in vision clarity after cataract surgery, from 30–40% on Day 1 to 90–100% by Week 6.

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Follow-Up Visits

Typically, the ophthalmologist will schedule appointments for the day after surgery and 2-4 weeks afterward. These follow-up visits are crucial for monitoring your healing and vision. Your eye pressure will be measured, and any potential issues can be addressed early. 

You may get a new glasses prescription once your eye care routine helps stabilize your vision. These visits ensure that you are on the right track to a full recovery and a clear vision.

Possible Complications

Although cataract surgery is safe, a few risks may occur:

• Endophthalmitis: A rare but serious eye infection requiring immediate treatment.
• Corneal or Retinal Swelling: May cause blurred vision; typically managed with medications.
• IOL Dislocation: The artificial lens may shift position, possibly necessitating repositioning surgery.
• Secondary Cataract (Posterior Capsule Opacification): A common postoperative condition treated with a quick, painless laser procedure.
• Increased Intraocular Pressure or Bleeding: Rare complications managed with medications or additional procedures.

While it's essential to be aware of potential complications, it's equally important to remember that these are rare and can be effectively managed with prompt medical attention. This knowledge should provide reassurance and alleviate any fears or anxiety you may have about the surgery.

Final Thoughts

With cataract surgery, medicine has enabled millions to regain clear vision and enjoy a better quality of life. The surgery is performed with precision, causing minimal harm and addressing each patient’s eye problems with the aid of advanced instruments and lens designs. Reviewing the entire process, from pre-surgery to phacoemulsification and lens implantation and, finally, post-surgery, helps patients feel prepared and reassured.

If someone you know has been diagnosed with cataracts, understand that surgery offers them an excellent opportunity to regain clear vision. It is best to consult a qualified ophthalmologist for recommendations on treatment tailored to your eye health and routine.

Regularly visiting an eye doctor is necessary to monitor cataracts and other eye conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms—blurry vision, glare, or trouble driving at night see a specialist promptly. Treating conditions early helps protect your eyesight and maintain your health for many years. If you want to know the Cataract Surgery Cost in India, or are looking for the Best Cataract Surgery Hospitals in India, Visit Medijourney.