What to expect with cataract surgery

How do I know if I need cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is usually recommended when a cataract begins to impair your everyday life, even when vision is corrected with glasses or contact lenses (InformedHealth.org, 2026). If changes in your vision are impacting things like reading, driving, or watching TV, talk to your eye care professional to see whether you would benefit from surgery.

How much does cataract surgery cost?

Cataract surgery may be covered by Medicare if performed through a public hospital (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2024). However, there can be longer wait times associated with public procedures. If you have private health insurance, this may also provide at least partial cover for procedures performed by a private hospital or clinic (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2024). The amount covered and potential out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your insurance plan and will be calculated specific to your procedure. Your surgeon will be able to advise you about the costs associated with your surgery, including the cost of follow up appointments and post-operative medications.

Preparing for cataract surgery

Ahead of your surgery, you will meet with the ophthalmologist who will perform your procedure. They will take a measurement of your eye and perform an eye exam, to determine the size and strength of the artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), they will insert during the surgery (Healthdirect, 2024). There are different types of IOLs available, each with their own benefits. Your ophthalmologist can explain the different types available, including which are most suitable for you and any additional costs associated with the lens type. Read more about different IOL options with our article on ‘What is an IOL?’.

Your ophthalmologist may also ask you to stop taking certain medications in the lead up to the surgery or require you to fast the night before (Diaz, 2025).

During the surgery

Phacoemulsification is the most common method for cataract surgery in Australia (Optometry Australia, 2025). For procedures using phacoemulsification, you will typically be given local anaesthetic to numb your eye and a light sedative to relax you (Healthdirect, 2024). The surgery usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.

In phacoemulsification, a small 2 to 3 millimetre incision is made into the cornea, and an ultrasonic probe is used to break up the cataract-affected lens into small pieces which are removed with suction (Moshirfar et al, 2023). The IOL is then inserted to replace the old lens. The small size of the incision means sutures are not typically required (Moshirfar et al, 2023).

To learn more about the steps involved in phacoemulsification, watch this animation on the Healthdirect website.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is generally safe and very regularly performed, but as with all surgeries, it does have some possible risks (InformedHealth.org, 2026).

These complications are uncommon, but can include:

• Damage to the eye during or after surgery.
• Retinal detachment.
• Infection inside the eye called endophthalmitis.

If you notice any of the following symptoms following your surgery, it is important to speak to your eye care professional or present to an emergency department (Healthdirect, 2024):

1. A painful or red eye.
2. Fluid coming from your eye.
3. Worsening vision.

Your ophthalmologist can provide you more detailed information about the risks associated with your surgery, including additional risks which may arise due to your personal medical history.

After having cataract surgery, you can’t get a cataract in the same eye again (Healthdirect, 2024). Some people may experience a clouding behind the artificial lens called posterior capsule opacification, but this can be fixed with a procedure known as a YAG laser capsulotomy (Healthline, 2025).

After the surgery

Cataract surgery is a day surgery, meaning you can go home the same day. You won’t be able to drive or catch public transport by yourself, so make sure to arrange for someone to pick you up. After surgery, you will be given discharge instructions including any medication you need to take, methods for protecting your eye post-surgery, and activities to avoid during your recovery period (InformedHealth.org, 2026). You will also schedule a follow-up appointment with your eye care professional to monitor your recovery in the days after surgery.

It may take some time for you to notice changes in your vision following the surgery, but people are usually able to resume normal activities after a few weeks (InformedHealth.org, 2026). Your eye care professional will give you a more detailed recovery plan.

Always speak to your eye care professional about the best treatment options for you.