What to Expect on Your Cataract Surgery Day

Get a good night's rest to help your body prepare for the procedure. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to use one or two days before surgery to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least a week before your procedure, as they can temporarily change the shape of your cornea and affect measurements.

Your surgeon will provide specific fasting instructions, which may require you to avoid eating or drinking for up to 12 hours before surgery. Some procedures allow a light meal depending on the type of anesthesia planned. Continue taking your regular medications unless your ophthalmologist advises otherwise. Certain medications, such as blood thinners or supplements that increase bleeding risk, may need to be temporarily stopped. Always follow the specific guidance provided by your surgical team.

Wake up with enough time to follow any fasting requirements your surgeon has outlined. Skip all makeup, lotions, perfumes, and hair products to keep the surgical area clean and reduce infection risk. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and flat shoes that will be easy to manage during recovery.

You will receive sedation during the procedure, so you cannot drive yourself home. Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgical center. Most patients can go home within a few hours after the procedure, but having someone available to help at home for the rest of the day is a good idea.

Pack your photo ID, insurance card, and a current list of all medications you take. Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light after surgery and any prescribed eye drops. Leave jewelry and valuables at home to keep things simple.

Arrive with a clean face, free of makeup, lotions, and perfumes. These products can interfere with the sterile surgical environment. Make sure you have not worn contact lenses for at least one week before your procedure to ensure accurate measurements.

Numbing eye drops, combined with mild intravenous sedation, ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. You will stay awake but relaxed, able to follow simple instructions like looking at a light if needed. Most people feel no pain, only mild pressure at times.

Your surgeon creates a tiny incision in the cornea, measuring just 2 to 3 millimeters. Using a technique called phacoemulsification, an ultrasound probe gently breaks up the cloudy lens into small fragments, which are then suctioned out of your eye. This method is highly effective and minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues. Some surgeons may use femtosecond laser technology to assist with certain steps, adding even more precision.

After removing the cataract, your surgeon carefully unfolds and inserts the new intraocular lens into the empty lens capsule where your natural lens once sat. The IOL you selected before surgery, whether a standard monofocal lens or a premium option like multifocal, toric, or extended depth of focus, is positioned precisely to provide clear vision. The small incision typically seals on its own without stitches.

Your surgeon removes all instruments and applies antibiotic drops to prevent infection. The team provides reassuring updates throughout the entire process. In most cases, no sutures are needed because the tiny incision heals naturally. If you require surgery on both eyes, the procedures are usually scheduled one to two weeks apart to allow proper healing.