Is Cataract Surgery Painful? What Patients Should Expect
Many patients who are advised cataract surgery worry about whether the procedure will be painful. This concern is very common, especially among people undergoing eye surgery for the first time.
According to cataract surgeon Astha Jain, modern cataract surgery is a safe, quick and virtually painless procedure.
With experience of 10,000+ successful eye surgeries, Dr Astha Jain has helped thousands of patients regain clear vision through advanced cataract surgery techniques.
Patients can consult her at Peepal Eye & Retina Clinic for detailed evaluation and personalised cataract treatment.
Is Cataract Surgery Painful?
Cataract surgery is generally not painful.
The procedure is performed using local anaesthesia in the form of numbing eye drops, which ensures that patients remain comfortable during surgery.
Most patients may only feel:
• mild pressure around the eye
• slight sensation of water or movement
However, sharp pain is extremely uncommon.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a short procedure that usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
The steps include:
- Numbing the eye with anaesthetic drops
- Creating a tiny incision in the cornea
- Removing the cloudy natural lens
- Implanting a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL)
The incision is extremely small and usually does not require stitches.
What Do Patients Feel During the Surgery?
During the surgery, patients may notice:
• bright lights from the microscope
• blurred shapes or movements
• gentle pressure around the eye
These sensations are normal and do not cause pain.
Doctors guide patients throughout the procedure to ensure comfort.
Is There Pain After Cataract Surgery?
Most patients experience very little discomfort after cataract surgery.
Some mild symptoms may include:
• slight irritation in the eye
• watering of the eye
• mild sensitivity to light
These symptoms typically improve within a few days.
Doctors prescribe medicated eye drops to support healing and prevent infection.
Tips to Stay Comfortable During Cataract Surgery
Patients can make the procedure smoother by:
• staying relaxed during surgery
• following the doctor’s instructions
• avoiding sudden head movements
• attending all pre-surgery evaluations
Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth surgical experience.
Why Choosing an Experienced Cataract Surgeon Matters
The comfort and success of cataract surgery largely depend on the surgeon’s expertise.
Many patients in Mumbai consult Astha Jain because of her experience and advanced surgical techniques.
Key reasons include:
• Experience of 10,000+ eye surgeries
• Expertise in advanced cataract surgery
• Comprehensive eye care including retina and LASIK
• Personalised treatment plans for every patient
Astha Jain is a leading eye surgeon in Mumbai specialising in cataract surgery, retina treatment and LASIK vision correction.
She has performed over 10,000 successful cataract surgeries and is known for providing advanced eye care using modern surgical techniques.
Dr Astha Jain completed her MBBS from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (Sion Hospital), Mumbai and her MS in Ophthalmology from King George’s Medical College, Lucknow. She has also received prestigious recognitions including the JRD Tata Scholarship, Ratan Tata Scholarship, and the Prof. Yaso Tano Travel Grant.
She currently consults patients at Peepal Eye & Retina Clinic, where comprehensive eye care services including cataract surgery, retina treatment and LASIK surgery are available.
To know more about Dr. Astha Jain, click here.
Learn more about Dr Astha Jain’s awards, publications and academic contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are patients awake during cataract surgery?
Yes. Patients are awake but the eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops so they remain comfortable.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The surgery usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Do patients feel pain after surgery?
Most patients experience only mild irritation which improves within a few days.
Can both eyes be operated on the same day?
Usually cataract surgery is performed one eye at a time, depending on the patient’s condition.
To know more on the cataract surgeries, click on: