Topical Anesthesia Using numbing eyedrops, rather than injections with needles into the eyesocket, cataract surgery can be performed quickly and safely. Because no needles are used around the eyeball, there is no risk of perforating the eye or causing bleeding into the eyesocket. Finally, the use of numbing eyedrops preserves the function of the both the eyelids and the optic nerve. Hence no patch is required after surgery, and patients typically recover useful vision within an hour, rather than having to wait until the patch is removed the day following surgery to see again. Recovery Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many cataract patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately.
Most patients return to their normal work and lifestyle routines within a day or two.
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