Cataract Surgery 101: Everything You Need to Know

Hearing that you need cataract surgery can feel daunting — especially if you’ve never had surgery before. But here’s the reassuring truth: cataract surgery is the most performed surgical procedure in the United States, with over 4 million procedures done annually. It has an outstanding safety record and one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective surgery.

This guide from Carolina Vision Center in Fayetteville, NC will walk you through everything you need to know: what a cataract is, when surgery is needed, what happens during the procedure, how recovery works, and what options you have.

What Is a Cataract?

Your eye’s natural lens sits just behind the iris and pupil. It’s normally crystal clear — allowing light to pass through cleanly and focus sharply on the retina. A cataract is simply a clouding of this natural lens.

Cataracts develop gradually, most often as a normal part of aging. By age 65, more than half of Americans have some degree of cataract. By 75, that number climbs to about 70%. The lens protein changes over time, causing it to yellow, cloud, and scatter light rather than transmit it cleanly.

Common Cataract Symptoms

• Blurry or cloudy vision, as if looking through a frosted window
• Colors that appear faded, washed out, or yellowed
• Increased sensitivity to glare from lights, especially oncoming headlights at night
• Halos around lights
• Double vision in one eye
• Frequent prescription changes in glasses or contacts
• Difficulty reading even with glasses

What Causes Cataracts?

The most common cause is simply aging. However, other factors can accelerate cataract development:

• Prolonged sun (UV) exposure without protective eyewear
• Diabetes and other metabolic conditions
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
• Smoking
• Previous eye injury or surgery
• Family history of early cataract

How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. You arrive, have the surgery, and go home the same day. Most procedures take 15–20 minutes. Here’s what happens:

1. Anesthesia: Numbing eye drops (topical anesthesia) are applied so you feel no pain. A mild oral sedative may be given to help you relax.
2. Small incision: A tiny incision (approximately 2–3mm) is made at the edge of the cornea. At Carolina Vision Center, this can be done with the LenSx® laser for maximum precision.
3. Capsulotomy: A circular opening is made in the thin membrane (capsule) that holds the lens in place.
4. Phacoemulsification: An ultrasound probe is inserted through the incision to break up and remove the cloudy lens tissue.
5. IOL implantation: A foldable artificial lens (IOL) is inserted through the tiny incision and unfolds in place. No stitches are typically needed — the incision seals on its own.

Before, During, and After: Your Full Cataract Surgery Journey

• 2–4 weeks before: Consultation and pre-surgical measurements. IOL selection. Instructions to stop certain medications.
• Day of surgery: No eating 4–6 hours prior. Arrive 30–45 minutes early. Surgery takes about 15–20 minutes. You need a driver to take you home.
• Day 1: A follow-up visit the next morning. Vision may be blurry — this is normal. Begin prescription eye drops.
• Week 1: Most patients notice significant vision improvement. Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, or strenuous activity.
• Weeks 2–4: Vision continues to stabilize. Most patients can resume all normal activities.
• 4–6 weeks: Final prescription determined if glasses are needed for reading or specific tasks.

Will I Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?

This depends primarily on your IOL choice. With a standard monofocal IOL, you will likely see well at distance without glasses but still need reading glasses. With premium multifocal or EDOF IOLs, most patients achieve significant glasses independence. If you have astigmatism, a toric IOL can correct it as part of the same surgery.

What About the Other Eye?

Cataracts often develop in both eyes, though one typically progresses faster. Surgery is generally performed on one eye at a time — with the second eye treated several weeks later after the first has healed and you’ve confirmed the outcome.

Is Cataract Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Yes — standard cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans when the cataract is clinically significant. Premium IOLs, laser-assisted surgery (LenSx®), and intraoperative aberrometry (ORA) are considered elective upgrades and carry an additional patient cost. Our team will clearly explain all financial aspects during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cataract Surgery 101