Cataract surgery only takes 10 to 15 minutes, but you could be at the facility for a few hours. The extra time is used for preparation, post-surgery evaluation and recovery instructions.

You’ll need to have someone drive you home after your procedure. You’ll also need to wear your eye shield any time you sleep for the first several days. Some people need to wear it for longer.

Cataract treatment can make your eyes more sensitive to light while they recover. It’s important to wear dark sunglasses outside after surgery. Some facilities will give you special glasses to take home.

You will use prescribed medicated eye drops to help your eye heal.