EYE · LENS SURGERY
Cataract Surgery
Also known as: cataract removal · lens replacement
Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens of your eye and replaces it with a clear artificial lens. It's one of the most common operations, usually done with numbing drops in less than an hour, and you go home the same day.
- Surgery timeLess than an hour
- AnesthesiaNumbing drops or an injection
- Hospital stayNone, same day
- Time abroadUntil your one-week checkup
What Results Can You Expect from Cataract Surgery?
Most people see more clearly after cataract surgery. Your vision may be blurry for a few hours, then improves over the following days.
If you have another eye condition, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, cataract surgery won't fix vision loss caused by it. Whether you still need glasses afterwards depends partly on the lens you choose. Cataracts answers common questions about life after surgery, such as whether your vision can become cloudy again.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and effective operations, and serious complications are rare. According to Cleveland Clinic, it improves vision in about 97% of people. Your eye surgeon explains the risks before you agree to the operation.
Possible Risks
In rare cases, not all of the cloudy lens can be removed, and a second procedure is needed.
- Infection
- Swelling or bleeding
- Raised pressure in the eye
- Glare or halos around lights
- A lens that moves out of place
- Retinal detachment
- Loss of vision, which is rare
What to Keep in Mind
- Use your eye drops exactly as your surgeon tells you.
- Go to your checkups, usually the day after surgery and about a week later.
- Your eye surgeon tells you which signs to watch for, and when to contact the clinic.
When Is Cataract Surgery Right for You?
Your eye doctor may suggest surgery when a cataract makes everyday activities, such as reading or driving, harder. In most cases, there's no need to rush, and you can decide together when the time is right.
Your cataract affects your daily life. Surgery is usually suggested when blurry or cloudy vision gets in the way of what you need or want to do.
Your other eye conditions are checked first. Conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration can affect your result.
You have one eye treated at a time. If both eyes need surgery, they're done on separate days, usually 1 week to 1 month apart.
To learn about cataract symptoms and when to see an eye doctor, see Cataracts.
Your eye surgeon makes the final decision after a full eye exam.
Your New Lens: Monofocal, Multifocal and Toric
During surgery, your cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). Your eye surgeon helps you choose the type.
Monofocal lens: Focuses at one distance, usually far away, so you'll typically need glasses for reading.
Multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses: Focus at more than one distance. Some people still need glasses with them.
Toric lens: Also corrects astigmatism.
How Is Cataract Surgery Done? Procedure Steps
Cataract surgery is usually done with numbing drops or an injection, so you're awake, and it usually takes less than an hour. You go home the same day.
Measurements of Your Eye
BeforeMeasurements of your eye help your surgeon choose the right lens for you.
Tell Your Eye Doctor About All the Medicines You Take
BeforeSome may need to be stopped.
Follow Your Surgical Team's Instructions
BeforeFollow them on eating, drinking and eye drops before surgery.
Leave Out Your Contact Lenses
BeforeLeave them out for a few days, if your surgeon asks you to.
Arrange for Someone to Take You Back
BeforeArrange this for after surgery, because you can't drive yourself.
Numbing Your Eye
StartYour eye is numbed with drops, an injection or both, and you may be given medicine to help you relax.
A Small Incision
StartYour surgeon makes a small opening in the eye. Some clinics use a laser for this step, though studies haven't shown better results than with a blade.
Removing the Cloudy Lens
Main partIn the most common technique, sound waves break the cloudy lens into small pieces, which are then removed.
Placing the New Lens
Main partThe artificial lens is placed where your natural lens was.
Resting Before You Go
EndYou rest for a short time while the team checks on you, then you go home or to your hotel. A shield may be placed over your eye.
Cataract Surgery Recovery
Your eye should feel better after 1 or 2 days, and most people heal fully in about 4 to 8 weeks.
Do
- Eye shield: Wear it at night while your eye heals.
- Eye drops: You'll usually use them for about 4 weeks.
- Checkups: Usually the day after surgery and about a week later.
Don't
- Don't rub your eye, and keep water, soap and shampoo out of it.
- Avoid heavy lifting, sports, eye makeup and swimming until your surgeon says it's OK.
How Long Should You Stay Abroad for Cataract Surgery?
Plan to stay until your checkup about a week after surgery, and ask your surgeon before you fly. If both eyes need surgery, they're done on separate days, so you may need a longer stay or a second trip.
About 1week
until your second checkup.
Same day
You go back to your hotel after surgery.
A Typical Plan
ARRIVAL
Eye exam
Transfer to your hotel, an eye exam and measurements for your new lens.
SURGERY
One eye
Cataract surgery on one eye, then rest at your hotel the same day.
THE NEXT DAY
Checkup
Your first checkup.
ABOUT A WEEK LATER
Checkup
Another checkup. Ask your surgeon whether you're ready to fly.
Flight times and entry rules depend on the country you choose. See the travel notes for each country in the comparison above, and check the entry requirements for your passport before you book.
Back Home: Follow-Up
Before you leave, ask for a written report of your surgery, including the type of lens you received.
How to Choose a Cataract Surgeon
Choose the surgeon, not the package price. The result of cataract surgery depends largely on the surgeon's skill. Look for an experienced eye surgeon who examines your eyes fully, explains your lens options and gives you a written plan before you pay.
What to Check
- The clinic's license from the national health authority
- An eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) who performs cataract surgery often
- A full eye exam and measurements before surgery
- A written plan with the eye to be treated and the type of lens
- A plan for your checkups and, if needed, your other eye
- Everything the price includes
Questions to Ask Your Coordinator
- Which type of lens do you recommend for me, and why?
- Will I need glasses after surgery?
- When can my other eye be treated, if needed?
- Who will perform my surgery?
- How will my checkups work once I'm home?
- Has this clinic been verified, and when?
Cataract Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be awake during cataract surgery?
Usually, yes. Your eye is numbed, so you shouldn't feel pain, and you may be given medicine to help you relax.
Can both eyes be done on the same day?
Usually not. If both eyes need surgery, they're done on separate days, usually 1 week to 1 month apart. Your surgeon advises on the timing.
When can I drive after cataract surgery?
Not right after surgery. Wait until your vision is back to normal and your eye surgeon says it's safe.
Our Sources
Cataract Surgery
National Eye Institute, 2024 · nei.nih.gov
Cataract Surgery: Risks, Recovery, Costs
American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2026 · aao.org
IOL Implants
American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2026 · aao.org
Traditional vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2026 · aao.org
When can you fly after cataract surgery?
American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2026 · aao.org
Cataract removal
MedlinePlus, 2025 · medlineplus.gov
Cataract Surgery
Cleveland Clinic, 2023 · my.clevelandclinic.org
Cataract surgery
NHS, 2025 · nhs.uk