Does Cataract Surgery Hurt? What Patients Should Really Expect

If you’ve been told you need cataract surgery, one of the first questions you may have is: Will it hurt?

The good news is that cataract surgery is one of the least painful procedures in modern medicine. With local anesthesia and advanced techniques, most patients report little to no discomfort during the entire experience — and many are surprised by how fast and smooth the process actually is.

Let’s walk through exactly what you can expect from a comfort and pain perspective before, during, and after your surgery.

Before Surgery: Preparing for Comfort

Prior to the procedure, your surgeon will go over your health history and make sure you’re a good candidate for surgery. On the day of surgery, you'll be given:

• Numbing eye drops to block pain
• Possibly a mild sedative to help you relax
• A full explanation of what to expect so you’re not caught off guard

These steps ensure you're completely comfortable and anxiety-free before the surgery begins.

During the Procedure: What You’ll Feel

Cataract surgery typically lasts about 10–20 minutes per eye and is performed while you're awake. That may sound intimidating, but here's the truth:

• You won’t feel pain, only slight pressure or cool water sensations
• You’ll be asked to look at a light, but your eye won’t be able to move much due to the numbing drops
• You may see colors or lights, but it’s not unpleasant — some describe it as calming

There are no needles near your eye and no general anesthesia involved. You’ll be lying down the entire time, and the team will talk you through it to keep you comfortable.

After Surgery: Mild Discomfort is Normal

As the numbing wears off, you might feel:

• A scratchy or gritty feeling in the eye
• Slight watering or dryness
• Minor light sensitivity
• A feeling like there’s something in your eye

This is completely normal and usually fades within 24–48 hours. Most patients say the discomfort is no worse than having a dry contact lens or a piece of dust in the eye.

How Pain Is Managed Post-Surgery

Your doctor will send you home with detailed aftercare instructions and likely prescribe:

• Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to prevent infection and inflammation
• A protective eye shield to wear while sleeping for a few days
• Recommendations to avoid rubbing your eyes or doing strenuous activity

You won’t need narcotic pain medication. In fact, most patients don’t take anything beyond over-the-counter artificial tears or a mild pain reliever like Tylenol (if needed).

What Patients Actually Say

Many patients are surprised by how painless the process is. Common feedback includes:

• “It was over before I knew it.”
• “I didn’t feel a thing.”
• “The idea was worse than the reality.”
• “I wish I had done it sooner.”

These kinds of reviews are exactly why Best Cataract Surgeon Reviews exists — to highlight the real, reassuring experiences of patients just like you.

Final Thoughts

Cataract surgery may sound scary, but in reality, it’s a quick, nearly painless procedure with a very high success rate. When performed by an experienced surgeon, you’ll be kept comfortable every step of the way — from the first eye drop to your final follow-up visit.

Still nervous? Explore our surgeon profiles to find a provider who specializes in patient-centered care and makes comfort a top priority.