Cataract Surgery: Procedure, Recovery & Results

Before surgery

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• Biometry — painless measurements of eye length and corneal curvature to calculate your implant power.
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• Corneal assessment — astigmatism is measured (and may be addressed with a toric IOL or incision planning).
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• Health review — blood pressure, sugar control and medication review; you will be told which medicines to continue.
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• Counselling — IOL choice, expected recovery, and consent with an honest discussion of risks.
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On the day

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1. Dilating and anaesthetic drops are applied; no injections are needed in most routine cases.
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2. A micro-incision of about 2–3 mm is made at the corneal edge.
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3. The cloudy lens is broken up with ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and removed.
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4. The folded IOL is inserted and unfolds inside the natural lens capsule.
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5. The self-sealing incision usually needs no stitches; a shield protects the eye.
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Most patients go home the same day, typically within a few hours.

Recovery timeline

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• Day 1: first review; vision already improving though often hazy.
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• Week 1: steady clearing; light activity resumes; drops continue.
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• Weeks 2–6: vision stabilises; final spectacle check when advised.
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Do's and don'ts

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• Use drops exactly as prescribed and keep follow-up appointments.
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• Avoid rubbing the eye, splashing unwashed water, dust and heavy lifting in the early period.
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• Report promptly: increasing pain, redness, sudden vision drop, flashes or many new floaters.
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Results

The great majority of patients see meaningfully better within days — brighter colours, sharper vision, less glare. Final results depend on the health of the rest of the eye (cornea, retina, optic nerve), which your surgeon assesses and explains beforehand. No specific outcome can be guaranteed.

Information on this page is for general education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or personalised medical advice from a qualified eye-care professional.

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