Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed procedures in the world. Yet almost every patient who walks into our consultation chair at Jaipur Eye & Dental Hospital arrives with the same fears. We’ve performed over 20,000 cataract operations, and the two concerns that come up most often are identical: “Will I feel everything during surgery?” and “Will it hurt?”
If you’re reading this and feel the same way, you’re not alone. These fears are completely normal. And by the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly why they don’t need to hold you back any longer.
Fear #1: Will I Be Awake and See Everything During Surgery?
This is, hands down, the most common question we get. Patients imagine lying on an operation table, fully conscious, watching a scalpel or needle come towards their open eye. That image is terrifying, and it’s also completely wrong.
During modern cataract surgery, you are awake but comfortable. Your eye is numbed with drops. You won’t feel any touch or pressure on your eye. And here’s the part that surprises most people: you only see a faint light. That’s it.
The microscope’s bright light is the only thing visible to you during the procedure. You won’t see the surgeon’s hands, the instruments, the lens being removed, or the new lens being placed. Your vision during surgery is essentially reduced to a soft, hazy glow. Most patients describe it as “staring at a blurred lamp through frosted glass.”
We keep talking to you throughout the procedure. Dr. Amit Gupta and the surgical team narrate each step so there are no surprises. This communication alone eliminates anxiety for most patients. You won’t be lying in silence wondering what’s happening next.
Fear #2: Will Cataract Surgery Be Painful?
The short answer is no. Modern cataract surgery is performed under topical anesthesia, which means numbing eye drops, not a needle injection near your eye. There’s no injection, no general anesthesia, and no pain.
At JEDH, we use phacoemulsification, the gold standard technique where the cataract is broken up using ultrasound energy and removed through a tiny incision. The entire procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Patients consistently report feeling nothing more than a slight cool sensation when the drops are applied and a gentle pressure that most describe as “barely noticeable.”
Recovery is just as straightforward. Most patients see clearly within 24 hours and resume normal activities the next day. No stitches, no overnight hospital stay, no prolonged discomfort.
We recently operated on a 60-year-old patient who was so anxious before surgery that her hands were shaking. She couldn’t read her grandchildren’s school books. After the procedure, she walked out of the operating room smiling and told us, “I don’t know what I was so scared of.” That’s the response we hear almost every single day.
Why Modern Cataract Surgery Is Safer Than Ever
Cataract surgery has evolved dramatically over the past two decades. The outdated image of large incisions, stitches, and weeks of recovery belongs to a different era entirely. Today’s procedure is minimally invasive, bladeless in many cases, and performed with computer-guided precision.
According to the All India Ophthalmological Society ([AIOS], 2025), the success rate of cataract surgery in India exceeds 98%. Complications are rare, and most of them are treatable. The technology we use at JEDH includes advanced phacoemulsification systems and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) that can correct vision at all distances, including reading, computer work, and driving.
What Happens Before, During, and After Surgery?
Understanding the timeline helps eliminate fear. Here’s what a typical cataract surgery day looks like at our Jaipur hospital:
Before surgery: Your eye is measured using advanced imaging to determine the exact lens power you need. We discuss lens options, from standard monofocal to premium trifocal lenses that correct near, intermediate, and distance vision. No special preparation is needed, just a light meal and arrival 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
During surgery: Numbing drops are applied. You lie back in a comfortable chair. A small clip holds your eyelids open gently. The microscope light appears. Within 10 to 15 minutes, the procedure is complete. You walk out of the operating room on your own feet.
After surgery: A protective shield is placed over your eye for the first night. Eye drops are prescribed for a few weeks. Most patients notice dramatic improvement in vision within 24 hours. Follow-up visits are scheduled at day 1, week 1, and month 1.
Common Questions About Cataract Surgery
At what age should you get cataract surgery?
There’s no fixed age. Cataracts develop when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, typically after age 50. Surgery is recommended when your vision starts affecting daily activities like driving, reading, or recognizing faces. If cataracts are interfering with your quality of life, it’s time to consider surgery, regardless of your exact age.
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance or government schemes?
Yes. Cataract surgery is covered under most health insurance policies, RGHS (Rajasthan Government Health Scheme), ECHS, and CGHS. At JEDH, we help patients navigate their insurance and scheme benefits to minimize out-of-pocket costs. A free consultation can help you understand your coverage.
Can both eyes be operated on the same day?
Typically no. We operate on one eye at a time, with the second eye scheduled 1 to 4 weeks later. This allows the first eye to heal and stabilize before the second procedure, ensuring the safest outcome.
What if I’m very anxious about the surgery?
Tell your surgeon. At JEDH, we take patient anxiety seriously. We explain every step, keep you informed during the procedure, and ensure you’re comfortable throughout. Many of our most anxious patients have later told us the surgery was much easier than they expected.
