Most cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. A complete outpatient medical examination, including X-rays and laboratory tests, is performed during the week before surgery. You then come to the surgical center on the day of surgery, have your cataract removed and go home the same day. In special circumstances, usually because of a medical illness, cataract surgery may be performed on an inpatient basis.
Most cataract surgery is done under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.
Patients may fall asleep during the operation and awake to find that the operation is finished. Following surgery, you are up and about almost immediately. The eye will be patched for one day. Medications are used to prevent infection and to help the healing process. For about three weeks after surgery, a plastic shield or protective glasses must be worn at all times to prevent accidental injury to the eye.