Many people choose to stay awake during surgery, while others may need to be put to sleep for a short time. If you are awake, you'll have drugs to relax you and to numb the nerves and keep the eye from moving. Most people who have cataract surgery can go home the same day. Others may have some minor problems, such as bleeding, and may need to stay in the hospital overnight or for a few days. It's normal to feel itching, sticky eyelids, and mild discomfort for a while after cataract surgery.
Some fluid discharge is also common.
In most cases, healing will take about 6 weeks. After 1-2 days, even moderate discomfort should disappear. After surgery, your eye care professional will schedule exams to check on your progress. You may need to use eyedrops to help healing or to prevent infection or inflammation. For a few days after surgery, you may also take eyedrops or pills to control the pressure inside your eye.