Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures, but it’s natural to feel a bit anxious if you’re preparing for it. Knowing what to expect can make the process smoother. Here are things i wish i knew before cataract surgery:

1. The Surgery Is Quick

The entire procedure usually takes around 15–20 minutes, and most of the time is spent preparing for it rather than the surgery itself.

2. It’s Painless

Thanks to local anesthesia in the form of eye drops, you won’t feel pain during the surgery, just mild pressure.

3. You Will Be Awake

Yes, you’ll be awake, but you won’t see the surgery happening. The eye is numbed, and a bright light will blur your vision.

4. Recovery Is Fast

Most patients notice an improvement in their vision within a few days, with full recovery taking about 4–6 weeks.

5. Plan for Someone to Drive You Home

You won’t be able to drive yourself home after the surgery due to blurred vision and the lingering effects of the anesthesia.

6. Vision May Be Blurry at First

It’s common to have hazy or blurred vision right after surgery. This improves as your eye heals and adjusts to the new lens.

7. Light Sensitivity Is Normal

Expect some sensitivity to bright lights post-surgery. Wearing sunglasses can help ease discomfort during this period.

8. You Might See Halos

Some patients see halos around lights for a few days or weeks after surgery. This typically diminishes as the eye adjusts.

9. Choosing the Right Lens Matters

There are different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) available: monofocal, multifocal, and toric lenses for astigmatism. Discuss with your surgeon which one best suits your lifestyle.

10. You’ll Need to Use Eye Drops

Post-surgery, you’ll have a regimen of antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and lubricating eye drops to prevent infection and aid healing.

11. No Makeup or Water in the Eye for a While

Avoid wearing eye makeup or getting water in your eye for at least a week after surgery to prevent infection.

12. Vision Might Be Clearer Than Ever

Many people experience improved vision, and some can even ditch their glasses for good, especially if they opt for premium IOLs.

13. You Might Still Need Glasses for Reading

Even with cataract surgery, you may need reading glasses, especially if you chose a monofocal lens.

14. It’s Safe but Has Risks

While complications are rare, it’s important to be aware of potential risks like infection, inflammation, or retinal detachment.

15. You Can Get Cataracts Again (Sort Of)

A secondary cataract, or posterior capsular opacification (PCO), can develop months or years after surgery. It’s easily treated with a quick laser procedure.

16. Follow-Up Visits Are Crucial

Regular check-ups post-surgery help monitor your healing and address any concerns early.

17. Physical Activities Are Limited at First

You should avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and strenuous exercise for at least a week after surgery to prevent pressure on the eye.

18. You Might Experience Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common side effect of cataract surgery, but this can be managed with lubricating eye drops.

19. Prepare for Your Other Eye

If you have cataracts in both eyes, the second surgery is usually scheduled a few weeks after the first for optimal healing.

20. It’s Worth It!

The thought of eye surgery can be daunting, but the benefits of clear, improved vision make it worthwhile. Most patients report significant satisfaction with the results.

Skipper Eye-Q Super Speciality Best cataract surgery in nigeria strives to improve our patients’ quality of life with cutting-edge eye cataract surgery and vision correction procedures. People of all ages can benefit from current vision correction procedures performed by our experienced ophthalmologists. You can easily achieve clear vision by contacting our office to schedule a full eye exam and consultation.