# How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/cataract-treatments/how-long-does-cataract-surgery-take

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-04

> **Summary:** Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with a new intraocular lens, taking about 15-20 minutes per eye in the operating theatre. It is done under local anaesthesia with eye drops, patients go home the same day, and vision improves noticeably within a few days while full recovery takes about 3-4 weeks.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation time:** About 15-20 minutes per eye (time in the operating theatre)
- **Anaesthesia:** Local, with eye drops; no general anaesthesia
- **Hospital stay:** None; patients go home the same day
- **Return to daily routine:** Most within 3-4 days
- **Vision improvement:** Noticeable within a few days
- **Full recovery:** About 3-4 weeks
- **Both eyes:** Usually on separate days, most often the next day; same day if the surgeon considers it suitable

---

## What Is Cataract?
Cataract occurs when the transparent lens of the eye deteriorates as a protein layer accumulates in it, causing blurred vision. Untreated advanced cataract can cause loss of vision. The only treatment is surgery. The natural lens gradually clouds with age, so cataract becomes more common after the age of 55-60.

## Symptoms
- Blurred, hazy or unclear vision; spots where vision is not clear
- Paler colours, less sharp vision, reduced depth of vision
- Problems with distance and near vision
- Eye fatigue and headache
- Significant decrease in night vision
- Colours harder to perceive
- Increased light sensitivity and worse vision in sunlight
- The need for glasses may decrease

If symptoms are present and persist, a doctor should be consulted.

## How the Surgery Is Done
- Eye measurements are taken and the new lens is adjusted accordingly; other eye conditions and general health are assessed first.
- The patient lies on their back; the eye is numbed with drops and held open with instruments.
- The cataract is cleaned and the lens removed through very small incisions, and a new lens is inserted.
- The patient may choose a trifocal intraocular lens instead of a single-focal one, giving clear vision at far, near and middle distances, so both cataract and glasses can be addressed in one operation.

## What Affects the Duration?
- **Eye condition:** a dense cataract can take longer to clean and to place the new lens.
- **Amount of cataract:** one of the biggest factors. Cataract usually progresses slowly over years; surgery is planned with the doctor when sight starts to affect daily life.
- **Patient's health** during surgery.
- **Method:** manual or laser technique.
- **Surgeon's expertise:** experts may take less time.

## After Surgery
- Use all the drops prescribed by the doctor.
- Attend check-ups regularly.