What Do You See During Cataract Surgery?

Reviewed By: Scot C. Holman, MD

What Are Cataracts?

Your natural lens is a clear, curved structure made of 60% proteins. It’s flexible and stretches or shrinks to focus light on the retina (the light-detecting tissue at the back of your eye).

Multiple eye structures help control how much light enters your eye, including the cornea and pupil. But the lens controls light once it’s inside.

Cataracts develop when the proteins inside the lens break down and clump together. The clumps form spots or flaws, causing the lens to become rigid and cloudy. These spots usually start small, like a smudge on a window. The tiny, thinner clumps can cause minor symptoms, but they can grow and significantly impair your vision.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurry or foggy vision
• Colors appearing faded or yellow
• Difficulty seeing in dim light
• Light sensitivity & glare
• Double vision

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery removes the eye’s natural lens and its cataracts and also eliminates the possibility of future cataracts. Your natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implant. This replacement lens improves your eye’s ability to focus light.

There are multiple IOL types, such as:

• Accommodative lenses adjust to focus at various distances, mimicking a natural lens.
• Multifocal lenses have zones that improve vision at multiple distances, such as a zone for distance and a lower zone for close vision.
• Toric lenses correct astigmatism caused by uneven curves in the cornea or lens.

What to Expect Before Cataract Surgery

Before the procedure, your surgeon will assess your eye health and determine which type of intraocular lens (IOL) is most suited to your needs. They’ll discuss the pre-surgical instructions with you in detail, such as avoiding food or drink for several hours before the surgery.

Your doctor might also recommend stopping certain medications or using prescribed eye drops to prepare your eyes. Following these guidelines is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful surgery day.

What to Expect During Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day. It’s a quick process, often lasting only about 10 minutes, and most patients remain awake throughout the entire surgery.

You might wonder whether you’ll see anything during the procedure. Rest assured, for most of the surgery, you’ll see very little. You’ll still perceive light and colors but won’t see the surgery in detail.

What Do You See During Cataract Surgery?

Many patients describe seeing bright lights and vague, blurred shapes during cataract surgery. Some report flashes of vibrant colors or light, which can feel dazzling but not uncomfortable. These sensations are completely normal and part of the surgical process.

You won’t see the surgeon’s tools in detail or any specific actions they’re taking. Patients often compare the experience to seeing shapes or movements through a foggy window. Visual sensations differ for everyone, but rest assured you won’t see anything that would feel frightening.

The Procedure: Step by Step

Most cataract surgeries treat one eye at a time. If you have cataracts in both eyes, the surgeries are usually scheduled one week apart to allow proper healing.

The basic steps of laser cataract surgery are as follows:

1. Numbing the Eye: Your eye will be numbed with anesthetic drops or an injection. A special device called a speculum will gently keep your eyelids open during the surgery.
2. Creating an Incision: The surgeon will use a laser to create a small incision in the lens capsule (the tissue holding the lens fibers).
3. Breaking Up the Lens: The laser dissolves your clouded natural lens into small pieces, making it easier to remove.
4. Replacing the Lens: A foldable IOL is inserted through the incision and positioned inside your eye’s lens capsule. Because the incision is so small, it typically self-heals without the need for stitches.
5. Recovery Area: After the procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area for about 15–30 minutes before heading home.

During the entire procedure, you won’t feel any pain, thanks to the numbing agents.

After Your Surgery

After your cataract surgery, you’ll return home with an eye shield to protect your operated eye while sleeping. Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, though full recovery can take several weeks.

Key points to remember about aftercare:

• Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
• Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting, swimming, or rubbing your eye for the first few weeks.
• You may experience blurry vision or see flashes of light and colors for a few days, which is normal.

Attending follow-up appointments is critical to ensure the healing process goes smoothly. If you experience any pain, worsening symptoms, or signs of an infection, contact your surgical team immediately.

Is Cataract Surgery Right for You?

Cataract surgery can transform your life, especially if cataracts are interfering with your daily activities and quality of life. However, deciding to proceed with surgery is a personal decision, and it’s perfectly fine to have concerns.

If you’re nervous or unsure, schedule a consultation with your eye doctor. They can provide personalized recommendations, answer your questions, and help you explore whether cataract surgery is the right option for you.

Book an appointment with our team at Lake Eye Associates to discuss your vision and surgical options. Together, we’ll create a path to a clearer, brighter vision.

FAQs

1. What do patients see during cataract surgery?

Most patients perceive bright lights or blurred shapes. Some might notice flashes of vibrant colors, but they don’t see any details of the surgical process.

2. Is it painful to see during cataract surgery?

No, cataract surgery is painless. Numbing agents are used to keep your eye comfortable throughout the procedure.

3. Can you see the surgeon or the tools?

No, you won’t clearly see the surgeon or tools. Most patients report vague sensations of light or motion.

4. Does cataract surgery hurt?

Thanks to numbing drops or anesthetic, cataract surgery is a painless experience. You may feel mild pressure, but it’s not uncomfortable.

5. What happens if I move my eye during surgery?

Your eye is gently stabilized with a speculum, so involuntary movement or blinking won’t affect the surgeon’s ability to perform the procedure safely.

6. Is it scary to be awake?

While it’s natural to be apprehensive, the majority of patients find being awake less intimidating than expected. Knowing what to expect can ease your nerves, and the surgical team works to ensure you feel calm and cared for.