Is Cataract Eye Surgery Painful? Here’s What No One Tells You
Prathyusha Itikarlapalli
- Content Writer
Dr. Natalia Hernandez Martinez
- Reviewed by
Key Takeaways
- Cataract eye surgery is a minimally invasive, painless procedure, carried out after the eyes are numbed using anesthetic eyedrops. Mild sedatives are used to offer relaxation and comfort for anxious patients.
- The belief that second eye cataract surgery can be painful is largely a myth. Studies suggest this occurs due to psychological and physiological causes, such as increased awareness of the procedure and a temporary rise in blood pressure.
- Sharp, intense pain with redness, inflammation, pus formation, and watery eyes with sudden flashes and black curtains indicate complications. The ophthalmologist can rule out the exact cause and treat the condition before it worsens.
What Is Cataract Eye Surgery?
Cataract eye surgery is the surgical method to remove the cloudy cataracts and improve your vision. Cataracts are dense, clouded eyelens formed as a result of unnatural protein breakdown and aggregation. While the causes are diverse, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to UV light, they definitely interfere with daily activities to some extent. Thanks to modern technology, there has been a significant improvement in the surgical procedures. The procedures have been simplified.
Where Is Cataract Surgery Performed?
Cataract surgery is carried out as an outpatient procedure in the surgical facilities by qualified and certified eye surgeons. Patients can return home on the same day, as the procedure is minimally invasive.
How Is Cataract Eye Surgery Done?
During cataract eye surgery, ophthalmologists remove the clouded eye lens and place the artificial intraocular lens in its place. They make small incisions in the cornea to gain access to the interior, clouded eyelens. Laser cataract surgery uses surgical lasers to make incisions and is a modern approach with better recovery. Next, they break down the cataract using ultrasound waves, and the process is phacoemulsification. These broken pieces are suctioned, and a clear IOL is placed in their stead. This offers a clear vision, allowing you to see objects without haziness. In some cases, where the cataracts are too dense to be broken or there are other issues with the capsule holding the eyelens, ophthalmologists perform capsulotomy. They remove the cataract along with the capsule to place an IOL.
Since the eyes are sensitive organs, it's natural for many to seek non-surgical options to avoid surgery and the fear of pain and discomfort it may cause. However, it's worth mentioning that surgical removal of cataracts is the only proven, approved method. While there's ample info on cataract eye surgery, it's natural that many patients ask if it actually hurts to get cataract surgery done. We detailed this in the upcoming section.
Does Cataract Eye Surgery Hurt?
Typically, cataract surgery does not hurt, as it is carried out after your eyes are numbed using anesthetic eyedrops. For those who are terrified of cataract surgery, it's worth noting that ophthalmologists numb your eyes so you don’t feel much pain during the procedure. The eyedrops block the pain-sensing pathways around the eyes, so you don’t feel the procedure painful while still being awake. Ophthalmologists also use mild sedatives for patients who feel anxious or are on anxiety medication. This offers a sense of relaxation and comfort.
However, expect some amount of grittiness, discomfort, or itchiness during the procedure. This can be due to the irrigation fluids or surgical instruments used during the procedure. Eye surgeons recommend an hour of observation, where the eye pressure and a few other body vitals will be monitored. After this period, you will return home.
Why Was My Cataract Surgery Painful?
Cataract surgery is typically painless, though mild discomfort, itching, or a gritty sensation is common during or after the procedure. However, if you experience sharp or sudden eye pain, along with flashes of light or new floaters, it should not be ignored. Since you remain awake during surgery, it’s important to inform your eye surgeon immediately if you feel any unusual pain. Such symptoms can sometimes indicate increased eye pressure or significant inflammation. In these cases, your surgeon will take prompt and appropriate measures to relieve discomfort and address the underlying cause.
Why Is Second Eye Cataract Surgery More Painful?
Second-eye cataract surgery may feel more uncomfortable due to the combination of various psychological and physiological factors, such as
- Heightened awareness of the procedure
- Temporary increases in blood pressure
- Mild inflammation in the second eye
Unlike the first surgery, where patients often have less anticipation and expect a painless experience, the familiarity and expectations surrounding the second procedure can amplify the perception of discomfort. This phenomenon, sometimes called “second-eye syndrome,” characterized by increased anxiety, heightened sensitivity, or the feeling that the procedure takes longer, is common among many patients. Studies suggest that these experiences are largely influenced by psychological factors. Ophthalmologists play a key role in reassuring patients, managing expectations, and ensuring comfort throughout the surgery.[1]
Is Cataract Surgery Painful Afterwards?
Pain after cataract eye surgery is more of a misnomer. While it's true that most patients experience dryness, some grittiness, and a sense of itching after surgery, these symptoms are generally tolerable. While dryness is commonly due to incisional injury to the tear film, grittiness can also result from tissue inflammation and healing of the incisions. You will be using post-surgical eyedrops, so the effects are minimal. But what if pain still persists? We addressed this in the upcoming section.
Is It Normal To Have Pain in the Eye After Cataract Surgery?
Slight pain or discomfort after cataract surgery is a part of the normal healing process. This accompanies the less serious side effects, such as blurriness and itching, with a sensation of sand particles. However, uncommon symptoms such as intolerable, sharp pain, along with bloodshot, inflamed, swollen, and watery eyes with noticeable redness, should not be ignored. Sudden flashes of bright light or floaters indicate an underlying complication. See your ophthalmologist immediately, as neglect can cause permanent damage to sensitive eye tissues, resulting in loss of eyesight. Now, don’t doubt its safety. We detailed this in the upcoming section.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
Yes, cataract eye surgery is generally very safe and is one of the most commonly performed eye procedures worldwide. The use of advanced lasers and phacoemulsifiers eases the healing and shortens the recovery period. With a shorter recovery, the chances of complications or infection are quite lower. With the rising number of cataract cases, advancements in technology, and patients’ desire for a fuller, happier life, the number of cataract surgeries continues to grow. Thanks in large part to its safety and reliability.
Optimal Ways To Manage Cataract Surgery Pain
This information is for you in case you are terrified of cataract surgery pain.
Preventing Pain and Anxiety Before Cataract Surgery
Ophthalmologists use numbing eye drops that act as a local anesthetic and help dilate the pupil, allowing the surgeon a clear view of the lens during cataract surgery. Depending on the patient’s condition, additional injectable anesthetics or mild sedatives (oral or intravenous) may be administered. These measures effectively block pain signals that could be triggered by the small surgical incisions.
While the natural eye lens has no nerves, the surrounding tissues do, which is why numbing agents are essential to prevent discomfort. By blocking these pain pathways, patients typically do not feel any pain during the procedure.
Moreover, anxiety can elevate blood pressure and interfere with the body’s response during surgery, especially in older patients. And they make up the majority of cataract cases! In such instances, sedatives help patients stay calm and relaxed, improving comfort and overall surgical satisfaction.[2]
Preventing Pain During Cataract Surgery
Since you are already under local anesthesia, the pain and discomfort are minimal. Expect slight blurriness, but don’t get triggered or stay anxious. Cataract surgery is an approved and safe procedure. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and other vitals will be under monitoring. So you don’t have to worry about risks or complications at this point. Stay calm and positive with a hope for a better life.
Preventing Pain After Cataract Surgery
Like any other surgical procedure, experiencing slight pain and discomfort is common after cataract surgery. Note that this is tolerable and does not impact the quality of life. However, you can prevent the pain and discomfort by strictly adhering to the post-surgical instructions. The eye tissues are sensitive, and you need to provide optimal conditions as they heal. So if you ask us, “How long is the recovery from cataract eye surgery?”, it's about four weeks. While most people notice clearer vision within a day of surgery, your eyes still need time to recover, and the incisions must fully heal to prevent irritation or infection. Following the right aftercare steps will help you heal better and recover quickly.
- Use the prescribed eyedrops as per the instructed dose. This will reduce inflammation and help you heal.
- Don’t rub or touch your eyes even if they itch. Rubbing eyes can dislodge the IOL, leading to complications. Wear an eye shield at night mandatorily to prevent accidental rubbing during sleep. So, if you ask us, “How long to wear eye sheild at night after cataract surgery?”, you should wear it for at least a week or in some cases for extended periods, depending on the cataract size and healing. But if you ask us, “Should I keep my eye closed after cataract surgery?” The answer is different. You don’t have to keep your eyes closed post-surgery. You can watch television, read books, and go for short walks outdoor. But ensure that you keep them closed while bathing or under the shower.
- Take enough rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Bending and lifting heavy weights can cause significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
- Wear protective eyewear and sunglasses to shield and protect the delicate eye tissues from dust and sunlight.
- Don’t skip the follow-up appointments. Attending the scheduled follow-ups will help monitor the recovery and detect complications early.
How Much Pain Is Normal After Cataract Surgery?
Mild discomfort, itching, or a gritty sensation is normal after cataract surgery and typically subsides within a few days. You may also notice slight tenderness or light sensitivity as your eyes adjust and heal.
However, sharp or intense pain, especially when accompanied by redness, swelling, or bloodshot eyes, should never be ignored. These signs may indicate complications such as infection, elevated eye pressure, or inflammation that need prompt medical care.
Reach out to your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience severe pain, swelling, pus-like discharge, excessive watering, sudden vision changes, floaters, flashes of light, severe headaches, or nausea. Early intervention prevents serious complications and supports a safe recovery.
Final Word!
Many people wonder, “Is cataract eye surgery painful?” Thanks to modern technology and advanced anesthesia, the answer is no. Painful experiences from cataract eye surgery are extremely rare today. Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure, and any minor irritation afterward typically fades within a few days. With skilled surgeons and improved recovery care, cataract eye surgery continues to be a safe, comfortable, and effective way to restore clear vision.
Take the next step toward clearer vision with confidence. Sign up with Envoy Health today and connect with highly trusted cataract specialists who prioritize your comfort, safety, and long-term eye health. Your journey to better eyesight starts here, in expert hands you can trust.
References
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any treatments.
Cataract eye surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. You will return home and do not require bed rest. All you need to do is give your body a slight rest as the anesthesia wears off. While you can see normally and do all routine activities with ease, avoid strenuous activities that can increase your blood pressure and heart rate.
No, cataract eye surgery is not a major surgery. Cataract removal is a minor outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day after a couple of hours of post-surgical observation. Ophthalmologists use surgical lasers to make incisions and break down the dense cataracts, and extract them. This is carried out at the well-maintained surgical facilities, where hygiene is prioritized by qualified and experienced eye surgeons.
Pain after cataract surgery is generally minimal and lasts for around a week after the procedure. Using the prescribed eyedrops will help you manage the discomfort and dryness. While slight pain can be due to tissue inflammation and healing, ignoring sharp, intense pain can lead to adverse effects. This is an indication of underlying complications and can even lead to loss of eyesight.
Cataract surgery will be carried out under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel much pain during the procedure. However, you will be awake during the procedure and will be aware of what's happening around. All you will notice within the eyes is slight discomfort with itching and grittiness, with a sense of a dust particle lodged in the eye.
The common disadvantages of cataract surgery include less serious side effects, such as inflammation, redness, itching, discomfort, blurriness, and light sensitivity. Further, the procedure relies on advanced lasers and is quite costly. Moreover, insurance does not cover the costs unless the cataracts are medically problematic or are too dense to interfere with daily life.
Although it’s medically possible to perform cataract surgery on both eyes at the same time, most surgeons recommend waiting a few weeks to a few months between procedures. This interval allows the first eye to heal properly, ensures stable vision, and helps the surgeon assess the outcome before operating on the second eye.
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