In most cases, the surgery takes less than an hour. A patch and protective shield are then placed over your operated eye and you are brought back to your room. As soon as you feel up to it, you may have something to eat. Once you have eaten, are comfortable and fully awake, you may return home. At home you may be up and around and resume most activities except those involving any heavy lifting or exercise.
Most patients have only minor discomfort after surgery.
You will need to be seen by your doctor the day after surgery, and you will be given specific instructions as to what medications you should use after surgery. For approximately six weeks, it is important to protect the eye at all times either with glasses or the protective shield you will be given. Vision usually begins to improve within several days after surgery, and should continue to improve in the several months it takes the eye to heal completely after the operation. Any surgery involves some risks. Although cataract surgery is perhaps the safest commonly performed operation, the eye is extremely delicate and there is always the risk of its not responding as desired.