Your Cataract Surgery Is Coming Up; Here’s What You Need to Know

Cataracts are incredibly common, especially as people get older. By age 80, about half of all men and women have developed cataracts or already had surgery to correct them. 

Unfortunately, there’s no simple medical cure for cataracts. Instead, you need to have those clouded lenses treated surgically in order to restore clear vision. 

The good news: Cataract surgery is extremely straightforward and far less stressful than most people expect. In this post, our team at Eye Care & Surgery explains what to expect before, during, and after your surgery, so you can feel confident and relaxed about your care.

Getting ready for your surgery

In the days leading up to your surgery, we provide you with clear instructions to prepare for your procedure and ensure the best outcome. 

We may ask you to use special eye drops to protect your eye from infection risks or to adjust medications you may be using for other conditions. 

You’ll need to avoid eating or drinking for a short period before your surgery, too, and of course, you should arrange to have someone drive you home afterward.

One more tip: Plan your outfit ahead of time. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing helps you relax during your surgery and through the recovery period immediately afterward. 

A closer look at the procedure

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States with a well-established safety profile and high levels of patient satisfaction. For most patients, the entire procedure takes about 20-30 minutes from start to finish.

Before surgery begins, we administer eye drops to numb your eye so you won’t feel any discomfort. If you're very nervous, we can provide a mild sedative, too.

During the procedure, we make a tiny incision in the cornea, the domed cover over your iris. Using a specialized instrument, we remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. Because the incision is so small, there’s no need for sutures — the incision closes and heals on its own. 

After surgery, we protect your eye with a shield, and you spend a short time in recovery, where we monitor you until we discharge you. Before you leave our office, we provide you with complete care instructions to guide your recovery. Because your vision is altered following surgery, you need to have someone drive you home. 

Healing and recovery at home

It’s normal to notice mild discomfort, itching, or a gritty sensation in your eye for the first few days after surgery. These sensations are temporary, but it’s very important not to rub your eye or apply pressure while it heals.

Prescription eye drops are an essential part of recovery. They help reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and support the healing process. You also wear a protective eye shield while sleeping to avoid accidentally rubbing your eye at night.

After your surgery, plan to rest for the remainder of the day, returning to light activities within a day or two. Avoid heavy lifting, excessive bending, and strenuous activities during this initial stage of healing. 

Your vision may be blurry at first, steadily improving as your eye recovers. Full healing can take up to two months, but you can expect vision improvements within a few days to a couple of weeks. It’s extremely important to attend your followup visits during recovery so we can ensure your eye is healing properly. 

Looking forward to clearer vision

If cloudy vision has been holding you back, cataract surgery can help clear the fogginess and restore sharper eyesight, supporting a healthier lifestyle and a better quality of life. 

To learn more about cataract surgery or to schedule a vision evaluation, request an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Eye Care & Surgery at our New York locations in the Fort Washington neighborhood of Manhattan and in The Bronx and New Rochelle.