Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed today. Many people wonder if it requires a hospital stay or an overnight admission. The short answer is no, most patients return home the same day. Still, it’s natural to want to understand the full process before heading in for your appointment.
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of what to expect before, during, and after your cataract surgery, how long you’ll stay at the clinic, and what recovery looks like once you’re back home.
Is Cataract Surgery an Outpatient Procedure?
Yes, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. This means you will not need to stay overnight in the hospital. The procedure is typically completed in less than an hour, and you can go home shortly afterward.
Outpatient care allows you to recover in the comfort of your own home while still being under your doctor’s supervision through follow-up visits. It’s also one of the reasons people consider cataract surgery safe and convenient.
If you have other medical conditions, your doctor may recommend staying a bit longer for observation, but most patients can leave within a few hours of their surgery.
Before the Procedure
Before your surgery, you’ll check in at your eye care center or hospital. You may be asked to fill out a few forms, review your medical history, and confirm any medications you’re taking.
Once you’re settled, your nurse or doctor will place numbing drops in your eye to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. You may also receive a mild sedative to help you relax. You’ll be awake but calm and pain-free.
This preparation phase usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Your doctor and the medical staff will make sure you’re relaxed and ready before starting.
During Cataract Surgery
The surgery itself is quick and simple. Your doctor will use gentle techniques to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. You won’t feel pain, though you may sense a bit of pressure or movement.
Most cataract surgeries take 10 to 20 minutes per eye. You’ll be comfortably positioned in a reclining chair, and the medical team will stay with you the entire time.
After the procedure, your eye will be covered with a protective shield to keep it safe while you recover.
Immediately After Surgery
You’ll rest in a recovery area for a short period, usually 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, the medical team will monitor you, check your blood pressure, and make sure your eye is stable.
Most patients feel well enough to go home soon after, though you’ll need someone to drive you. It’s common for your vision to feel slightly blurry or for your eye to feel sensitive to light. This is temporary and typically improves within a few hours.
You’ll receive detailed instructions from your doctor before leaving, including when to take your eye drops, how to protect your eye, and what to expect during recovery.
How Long Will You Stay at the Facility?
From start to finish, most patients spend about two to three hours at the clinic or hospital. This includes preparation, the procedure, and the short recovery period afterward.
You won’t need to stay overnight unless your doctor has a special reason to keep you for observation, for instance, if you have another medical condition or if the surgery was more complex than usual.
For the majority of people, cataract surgery is a same-day experience. You’ll arrive, undergo the procedure, rest briefly, and head home to recover.
Going Home After Cataract Surgery
When you leave the clinic, you’ll likely have a clear shield or patch over your treated eye. Your doctor will explain how long you’ll need to wear it, often just for the first night or while sleeping during the first few days.
You’ll need someone to drive you home since your vision may be slightly blurred right after surgery. Most patients report that their eyesight begins to clear up within 24 to 48 hours.
Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment within a day or two to check your healing progress. This is an important visit, as it helps confirm that your eye is responding well to treatment.
The First 24 Hours After Surgery
Once home, you’ll want to rest. Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or rubbing your eye. Try to keep your head elevated when lying down, and follow your doctor’s instructions for using prescribed eye drops.
You may notice mild itching or a feeling that something is in your eye. This is normal and should fade as your eye heals. Your vision will continue to sharpen over the following days.
If you experience significant pain, increased redness, or a sudden drop in vision, contact your doctor right away. These symptoms are uncommon, but it’s always better to have your doctor check.
How Soon Can You Return to Normal Activities?
Most patients can resume light activities within one to two days. Watching television, reading, and walking are fine, as long as you don’t strain your eyes. Avoid swimming or using makeup near your eyes for at least a week, as this can introduce bacteria.
You may be able to drive again once your doctor confirms that your vision meets safety standards. This usually happens within a few days after surgery.
If your job involves physical labor, you may need to take a few extra days off to protect your eyes from dust or accidental impact.
Follow-Up Appointments
Your first follow-up visit is usually scheduled within 24 to 48 hours of your surgery. During this visit, your doctor will check your vision, assess how well your eye is healing, and review your medication plan.
You may have another follow-up after one or two weeks, and again after about a month. These visits allow your doctor to track your progress and confirm that your new lens is functioning well.
Most patients notice steady improvement in their vision with each passing day. Bright colors appear sharper, details become clearer, and nighttime glare reduces over time.
What If You’re Having Both Eyes Treated?
If you’re having cataract surgery on both eyes, your doctor will usually schedule the procedures separately. The second eye is typically treated a few weeks after the first one has healed.
This approach gives your doctor time to monitor your progress and allows your first eye to recover before operating on the second. You’ll follow the same outpatient process for both surgeries, arriving and leaving the same day.
Common Questions About Hospital Stay and Recovery
Can I stay overnight if I want to?
Generally, no. Cataract surgery is so safe and quick that an overnight stay isn’t required. However, your doctor may recommend it in rare cases for medical reasons.
Will I need someone to stay with me after I go home?
It’s a good idea to have someone nearby for the first day, especially to help with meals or medications. Most people can manage well on their own after the first evening.
Can I fly or travel soon after surgery?
You should wait until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. Flying can affect eye pressure, so it’s best to get medical clearance before traveling.
Cataract surgery rarely requires a hospital stay. You’ll be in and out the same day, from check-in to going home, in just a few hours. The procedure is safe, efficient, and highly effective at restoring clear vision.
Understanding what to expect before you go in can help you feel calm and confident on the day of your surgery. If you’re preparing for cataract treatment, speak with your eye doctor about the timeline, aftercare, and recovery expectations so you know exactly what’s ahead.
Ready to take the next step toward a clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about Cataract Surgery. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!