How long does cataract surgery take? The operation, the day and the recovery

The operation itself

Routine cataract surgery usually takes about 10–20 minutes. More complex cases — very dense cataracts, small pupils, previous eye surgery or weak lens support — can take longer. See complex cataract surgery.

Time at the hospital

Allow two to four hours. That covers checking in, a nurse check, dilating drops (which take 30–45 minutes to work), meeting the surgeon to confirm the plan and mark the eye, local anaesthetic, the operation, and a short recovery with a drink before you go home. See anaesthesia for cataract surgery.

Both eyes

Most people have the second eye done a week or two after the first. Same-day surgery on both eyes is possible for some people — see cataract surgery on both eyes on the same day.

Recovery

Many people notice brighter, clearer vision within a day or two. Drops are used for around four weeks, with a check soon after surgery and a final review and glasses prescription at four to six weeks. See the recovery timeline and eye drops schedule.

From consultation to surgery

In private care, surgery is typically booked a few weeks after the consultation, giving time to consider the plan. See fast-track cataract surgery.

Seeing Ms Tahmina Pearsall

Ms Pearsall performs cataract surgery personally. Current fixed prices are on the pricing page; see cataract surgery and cataract surgery in London.

Ms Tahmina Pearsall is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who qualified in 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience and over 50,000 procedures performed. She trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital and Addenbrooke's Hospital, and sees private patients at multiple clinic locations, including Harley Street in London. Read her full credentials.

Ms Pearsall sees patients at Harley Street, London and other clinic locations. Patients travel from across the UK, including Brighton & Hove and Liverpool, and from Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The first telephone enquiry is free — arrange a free initial call to explain what happened and check whether a review is likely to help. A full clinical consultation with Ms Pearsall costs £250. Treatment prices are listed on the pricing page and confirmed in writing after examination.

This article is general information written for patients and does not replace an individual examination.