Cataract eye surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis. If the procedure is scheduled early in the morning, patients may be asked to skip breakfast. Before surgery, the cataract surgeon will administer eye drops and medication to help the patient relax. A local anesthetic will also be given to make the procedure painless.

During surgery an instrument will be used to hold the eye open. Patients may be able to see light and movement during the procedure, but everything will appear very blurry. The cataract is then removed and the intraocular lens inserted. To complete the procedure, a protective shield is typically placed over the eye. Patients should plan to have someone else drive them home after surgery, as their eye will need time to rest and heal.