Cataract Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Cataract Surgery?
An ophthalmologist performs cataract surgery. This is a medical doctor who specializes in eye diseases and eye surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. The lens is the clear part that helps focus light. Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens. The surgery almost always includes placing an artificial lens in the eye. Surgery is the only way to get rid of cataracts.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Your eye doctor will probably suggest surgery if vision loss gets in the way of daily life. Examples are reading, driving, or watching TV. Surgery may also help your doctor see into the back of your eye to treat other eye conditions. You do not need to rush, because cataracts usually do not permanently damage your eye. If you have cataracts in both eyes, you will need surgery on each eye at a separate time.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- You will have eye tests that measure the size and shape of your eye. These help choose the right artificial lens.
- Your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops to help protect your eye from infection.
- Tell your eye doctor about your medicines. You may need to stop one that could cause bleeding for a little while.
- You may be told to stop eating and drinking several hours before surgery.
- Bring a friend or family member, because you will not be able to drive afterward.
What happens during it
Adults are usually awake for the procedure. Numbing drops or a shot block pain, and you also get medicine to help you relax. In one method, a tool that makes sound waves breaks the cataract into small pieces. The pieces are then suctioned out. Laser surgery is another way to remove the lens. Then a manmade lens, called an intraocular lens or IOL, is usually placed in the eye.
Recovery
Before you go home, you may get an eye patch and eye drops. You will usually have a follow-up exam the next day. Your eye may feel itchy or sensitive at first, but after 1 or 2 days it should feel better. You may need to avoid touching your eye or lifting heavy things for a few weeks. The National Eye Institute says most people are completely healed 8 weeks after surgery.
Call your eye doctor right away if you notice vision loss, very red eyes, floaters, or bad pain that will not go away with medicine. Floaters are flashes of light or many small dark spots or squiggly lines that float across your vision.
Risks and side effects
About 9 out of 10 people who get cataract surgery see better afterward. Cataract surgery is one of the most common, safe, and effective surgeries in the United States. Like any surgery, it has risks.
Risks include the following.
- Swelling, bleeding, or infection
- Vision loss or double vision
- Unusual changes in eye pressure
- Retinal detachment
- Secondary cataracts, which an eye doctor can fix with laser treatment
In rare cases, the entire lens cannot be removed, and a later procedure removes the leftover pieces. Other eye problems, such as glaucoma, can make the surgery harder or the result not as good.
Who performs it
An ophthalmologist performs cataract surgery.
Common questions
Will I be awake during cataract surgery?
Usually, yes, you will be awake during cataract surgery. You might notice lights or motion, but you will not be able to see what your doctor is doing.
Will I need new glasses after cataract surgery?
You might need a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses once your eye is completely healed.
Can a cataract come back after surgery?
Some people develop a secondary cataract after surgery. It can appear weeks, months, or even years later.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. An ophthalmologist performs the surgery itself. Tell your eye doctor about any medications you take, because some may need to be stopped for a little while before surgery.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
