What Happens on the Day of Cataract Surgery?
- Clear Insights
- Jul 14
- 9 min read
Guide 4.1
Suitable for: Adults considering cataract surgery | Family members | Caregivers
Knowing what to expect on the day of your cataract surgery can help you feel more prepared and confident. From arriving at the hospital to returning home, this guide explains each stage of the day, helping you understand what typically happens before, during and immediately after your procedure.
Is This Guide Right for Me?
This guide is for you if:
Your cataract surgery has been scheduled.
You’d like to know what will happen on the day of surgery.
You’re feeling anxious about the procedure.
You’re helping a family member prepare for surgery.
You want to understand how to prepare before arriving at the hospital.
What Should I Do Next?
If... | Consider... |
Your surgery has not yet been booked | Read our guide on preparing for cataract surgery and discuss your treatment options with your ophthalmologist. |
Your surgery date has been confirmed | Familiarise yourself with what to expect on the day so you can arrive feeling prepared. |
You have questions about medications or fasting | Contact your clinic before surgery and follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team. |
What You’ll Learn
After reading this guide, you’ll understand:
How to prepare before leaving home.
What happens when you arrive at the hospital.
How your eye is prepared for surgery.
What to expect before entering the operating theatre.
What happens after your procedure before you go home.
Introduction
For many patients, the day of cataract surgery is often more worrying than the procedure itself.
Questions such as “What time should I arrive?”, “Will I be awake?”, “What should I bring?” and “When can I go home?” are completely normal.
Knowing what to expect can help reduce uncertainty and make the experience feel much more manageable.
Although every patient’s treatment journey is unique, cataract surgery generally follows a well organised process. Your healthcare team will guide you through each stage, explain what is happening and answer any questions you may have along the way.
This guide provides an overview of what many patients can expect on the day of cataract surgery. Your ophthalmologist and hospital team will provide instructions tailored to your individual circumstances.
01 Before You Leave Home
Before leaving for the hospital, take a few moments to ensure you are ready for your procedure.
Your clinic will provide personalised instructions before your surgery. These may include guidance about:
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Following these instructions helps your surgical team prepare for your procedure and supports a smooth treatment experience.
If you are unsure about any of the instructions you have received, contact your clinic before the day of surgery rather than making assumptions.
02 Arriving at Parkway East Hospital
For patients undergoing cataract surgery with The Straits Eye Centre, procedures are performed at Parkway East Hospital.
After arriving, you’ll complete the admission process with the hospital team.
This usually includes:
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These safety checks are an important part of preparing for surgery and help ensure the correct treatment is carried out.
03 Meeting the Nursing Team
After admission, you’ll be cared for by the nursing team before your procedure.
They will guide you through the next steps and help you feel comfortable while preparing for surgery.
Depending on your treatment plan, this preparation may include:
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If you’re feeling nervous, let the nursing staff know. Many patients feel anxious before eye surgery, and your healthcare team is experienced in helping patients feel reassured throughout the process.
04 Preparing Your Eye for Surgery
Before entering the operating theatre, your eye will be prepared for the procedure.
This preparation may include:
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These safety procedures are carried out for every patient and are designed to support a safe and well organised surgical process.
Although there may be a short wait before your procedure begins, your healthcare team will keep you informed throughout the process.
05 Waiting Before Surgery
Many patients are surprised to learn that the waiting period before surgery is often longer than the procedure itself.
This time allows the eye drops to take effect, gives the surgical team time to complete final preparations and ensures every stage of the process is carried out carefully.
While you are waiting, you can usually relax in the pre operative area. If you have any questions or concerns, this is a good opportunity to speak with the nursing team before you are taken into the operating theatre.
Remember that feeling nervous is completely normal. Your ophthalmologist, nurses and hospital staff perform cataract surgery regularly and will guide you through each step of the day.
06 Entering the Operating Theatre
When it is time for your procedure, a member of the healthcare team will accompany you into the operating theatre.
Before surgery begins, the team will complete a series of final safety checks. These include confirming your identity, the eye being treated and the planned procedure. These checks are performed for every patient and form an important part of safe surgical practice.
Once everything has been confirmed, you’ll be helped into a comfortable position for the procedure.
Although the operating theatre contains specialised medical equipment, the surgical team will guide you through each step and explain what is happening.
07 Will I Be Awake During Surgery?
This is one of the questions patients ask most often.
Cataract surgery is commonly performed using local anaesthesia, usually in the form of anaesthetic eye drops. Depending on your individual circumstances, your ophthalmologist may also recommend medication to help you feel more relaxed.
Because your eye is numbed, most patients do not experience pain during the procedure. However, you may notice:
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These experiences are generally expected and do not usually indicate that anything is wrong.
If you feel uncomfortable at any stage, let your surgical team know. They will continue to communicate with you throughout the operation.
08 During the Procedure
Your ophthalmologist will carry out the cataract surgery using specialised microsurgical instruments.
During the operation, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens that has been selected during your pre operative planning.
Most patients do not see the surgery itself. Instead, they usually notice bright lights or vague shapes while the procedure is taking place.
Your ophthalmologist and nurses will continue to monitor you throughout the surgery and ensure you remain comfortable.
If you would like to understand the surgical steps in greater detail, read our guide: |
09 How Long Will I Be in the Operating Theatre?
The surgical procedure itself is often relatively short.
However, your total time in the operating theatre may be slightly longer because it includes:
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Your healthcare team will keep you informed throughout the process.
10 Moving to Recovery
Once your surgery has been completed, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where the nursing team will continue to look after you.
During recovery, they may:
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Most patients spend a short period recovering before being discharged on the same day, provided their ophthalmologist considers it appropriate.
11 Going Home
Before leaving the hospital, you’ll receive personalised instructions to support your recovery.
These typically include advice about:
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Because your vision may still be adjusting and you may have received medication during your treatment, arrange for someone to accompany you home if your ophthalmologist or clinic has advised you to do so.
Once home, take the remainder of the day to rest and follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team.
From Dr Seow Wei Hong
“Many people assume that blurry vision is simply part of getting older. While cataracts are common, similar symptoms can also be caused by other eye conditions. A comprehensive eye assessment helps us identify the underlying cause and discuss the most appropriate next steps based on your individual needs.”
Key Takeaways
Cataract surgery is commonly performed as a day surgery procedure.
The day usually includes admission, preparation, surgery and a short recovery period before discharge.
Local anaesthesia is commonly used to help keep patients comfortable during the procedure.
Your healthcare team will explain what to expect and provide personalised instructions before you return home.
If you have concerns before or after surgery, speak with your ophthalmologist or clinic.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?Most people recover without significant problems. However, it is important to know when to seek medical advice. Contact your ophthalmologist promptly if you experience: Increasing eye pain. Sudden worsening of vision. Persistent redness that becomes worse rather than better. Increasing sensitivity to light. New flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters. Any symptoms that concern you after surgery. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate a serious problem, but they should be assessed by your treating team. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive for my cataract surgery?
Your clinic or hospital will provide your admission time before your procedure. Arriving on time allows enough time for registration, preparation and the administration of eye drops before surgery.
Can I eat or drink before surgery?
This depends on your individual treatment plan and the instructions provided by your ophthalmologist or hospital. Follow the instructions given by your healthcare team. If you are unsure, contact your clinic before the day of surgery.
What should I wear on the day of surgery?
Wear comfortable clothing and avoid eye makeup, facial creams, perfumes or other products around the eye unless your clinic advises otherwise. Your healthcare team will provide any additional instructions before your procedure.
Should I bring someone with me?
Many patients arrange for a family member or friend to accompany them home after surgery. Your clinic will advise whether this is recommended for your individual circumstances.
Will I be able to drive home?
You should not plan to drive yourself home after cataract surgery. Your vision may still be recovering, and your ophthalmologist will advise when it is appropriate to resume driving.
How long will I stay at the hospital?
Although the surgical procedure itself is often relatively short, you should expect to spend several hours at the hospital to allow time for admission, preparation, surgery and recovery before discharge.
Will my eye be covered after surgery?
Many patients have a protective eye shield placed over the operated eye after surgery. Your ophthalmologist will explain how long it should be worn and when it can be removed.
What should I do when I get home?
Rest for the remainder of the day and follow the instructions provided by your ophthalmologist. Use your prescribed eye drops as directed and attend your scheduled follow up appointments.
When should I contact the clinic?
Contact your ophthalmologist or clinic promptly if you experience:
Increasing eye pain.
Sudden worsening of vision.
Persistent redness that becomes worse.
Increasing sensitivity to light.
Any unexpected symptoms that concern you.
Your healthcare team will advise whether you need to be reviewed.
When will my follow up appointment be?
Your follow up schedule will be arranged before you leave the hospital. Your ophthalmologist will explain when you should return and what will be assessed during your review.
Continue Your Cataract Journey
Your surgery is only one part of your treatment journey. Continue with these guides to understand what happens next.
Recovering After Cataract SurgeryFind out what to expect after surgery, including follow up appointments, eye drops and returning to your daily routine. | |
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?Discover the step by step surgical procedure, including how the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. | |
Choosing the Right Intraocular LensLearn about monofocal, multifocal and Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses, and how your ophthalmologist recommends the most appropriate option. | |
Cataract Surgery Package: What’s Included and What’s Not?Understand what is generally included in a cataract surgery package, what may involve additional costs and how to compare quotations. | |
Can I Use MediSave for Cataract Surgery?Learn how MediSave, insurance and available payment options may help with eligible treatment costs. |
Medical References
This guide is intended for educational purposes and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
The final published version should include references from recognised authorities, including:
In Summary
If you only remember three things from this guide, remember these:
Cataract surgery is usually performed as a planned day surgery procedure with a structured process from admission to discharge.
Your healthcare team will guide you through each stage, explain what to expect and provide personalised instructions before you return home.
Following your ophthalmologist’s advice before and after surgery helps support a smooth recovery and ensures any concerns can be addressed promptly.
→ Next Step
Preparing for Your Cataract Surgery?
Understanding what will happen on the day of your procedure can help you feel more confident and prepared.
During your consultation, your ophthalmologist can:
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Concerned About Your Vision?Our ophthalmologists and Primary Eye Care Physicians provide comprehensive eye assessments to determine whether cataracts or another eye condition may be affecting your vision. | Your assessment may include:
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