How long does cataract surgery take?
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and highly successful eye surgeries worldwide. Patients considering this procedure often have questions about how long it takes and what to expect during the process. In this guide, we will break down the duration of cataract surgery, including preparation, the procedure itself, and the recovery time.
Total time required for cataract surgery
The actual cataract surgery typically takes 15 to 30 minutes per eye. However, the total time spent at the hospital or surgical center can be between 2 to 3 hours, including preparation and post-operative monitoring.
Breakdown of time spent during cataract surgery
To better understand how long cataract surgery takes, let’s go through each phase:
1. Pre-surgery preparation (30-60 minutes)
Before the actual procedure begins, patients undergo a series of steps to ensure a smooth and safe surgery:
2. The cataract surgery procedure (15-30 minutes)
Once the preparation is complete, the actual cataract surgery is performed. The steps include:
- Incision: A tiny incision is made in the cornea to access the cataract.
- Lens removal: Using phacoemulsification (ultrasound waves), the cloudy lens is broken down and removed.
- IOL implantation: An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is placed in the eye to restore vision.
- Final adjustments: The surgeon ensures proper positioning of the lens and clears any debris.
Since the procedure is minimally invasive, no stitches are required as the incisions heal naturally.
3. Post-surgery recovery & observation (30-60 minutes)
After surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery area for monitoring. The post-operative process includes:
- Resting period: Patients rest for a short time until they feel stable.
- Initial eye examination: The doctor checks the eye to ensure there are no immediate complications.
- Discharge & Instructions: Patients receive guidelines on post-operative care, including the use of prescribed eye drops and activity restrictions.
- Transportation home: Since vision may be blurry, patients must arrange for someone to drive them home.
Factors that may affect surgery duration
While most cataract surgeries follow the timeline mentioned above, certain factors can extend the procedure:
- Dense or Advanced cataracts: More time may be needed to remove hard cataracts.
- Complicated eye conditions: Pre-existing conditions like glaucoma or corneal problems may require additional care.
- Surgical technique: Some advanced techniques, such as laser-assisted cataract surgery, may add a few minutes to the process.
- Bilateral surgery: If both eyes are treated on the same day, the procedure will take longer.
Conclusion
Cataract surgery is a quick and efficient procedure, typically taking 15-30 minutes per eye, but the total time spent at the facility is around 2-3 hours. The recovery is generally fast, with significant vision improvement within a few days. By following post-surgery care instructions, patients can ensure a smooth healing process and enjoy clearer vision for years to come.
If you’re considering cataract surgery, Krisha Eye Hospital is here to help. Contact us today for expert consultation and personalized eye care.
Author bio
Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari, an esteemed ophthalmologist with over 10 years of experience, leads Krisha Eye hospital in Ahmedabad with a commitment to advanced, patient-centered eye care. Specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Maheshwari has performed more than a thousand successful surgeries. Her expertise lies in phacoemulsification, a technique recognized for its precision in cataract treatment.
Dr. Maheshwari’s educational journey includes an MBBS from Smt. NHL MMC, a DOMS from M & J Institute of Ophthalmology, and a DNB in Ophthalmology from Mahatme Eye Bank Eye Hospital, Nagpur. She also completed a fellowship in phacoemulsification at Porecha Blindness Trust Hospital, further enhancing her surgical skills. In addition to her work at Krisha Eye Hospital, Dr. Maheshwari serves as a consultant ophthalmologist at Northstar Diagnostic Centre.
Under her leadership, Krisha Eye Hospital aims to bring all superspecialties under one roof, offering comprehensive eye care solutions for all vision needs.
FAQs
No, cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can go home the same day.
Yes, if you have conditions like glaucoma or corneal diseases, the procedure may take longer as the surgeon needs to take extra precautions.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery can add a few extra minutes to the procedure but may result in more precise outcomes.
While the surgery itself takes about 15-30 minutes, you should plan to be at the hospital or surgical center for 2-3 hours to allow for preparation and recovery.
Not necessarily. While older patients may have denser cataracts that take slightly longer to remove, the overall procedure time remains similar for most individuals.
If you require a toric intraocular lens (IOL) to correct astigmatism, the procedure may take slightly longer for proper alignment.
If your second eye is treated at a later date, it may take less time as the surgeon is already familiar with your response to the procedure.
In rare cases, cataract surgery may take longer due to complications such as a dense cataract, small pupil size, or additional eye conditions requiring extra attention.
Although some clinics offer bilateral cataract surgery, most doctors prefer to wait 2-4 weeks between eyes to ensure optimal healing.
For a deeper understanding of why waiting between surgeries is recommended, read our blog: How long should you wait between cataract surgeries on each eye?
