Eye surgery: what to expect and how to prepare

Thinking about eye surgery? Whether you’re considering LASIK to ditch glasses or facing cataract removal, decisions feel big—and they are. This short guide cuts through the noise with clear, practical steps: what procedures do, the real risks, how recovery usually goes, and the right questions to ask your surgeon.

Common types of eye surgery

Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial one to restore clearer vision. It’s usually quick and done under local anaesthetic. LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism; recovery is fast but not risk-free. Retina surgery treats detached retinas, macular holes, or diabetic damage—these are more complex and can require stitches or gas bubbles inside the eye. Glaucoma procedures (like trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) lower eye pressure to prevent vision loss. Corneal transplants and eyelid surgeries (oculoplastics) fix structural or injury-related problems. Each procedure has different goals, recovery times, and risk levels—so match the type to the problem, not what a friend had.

Preparing, risks, and recovery

Before surgery you’ll have an eye exam, measurements, and a talk about meds. Tell your surgeon if you use blood thinners, have dry eye, or recent infections. Stop wearing contact lenses as advised—contacts change corneal shape. Ask what to expect the day of surgery and whether someone should drive you home.

Risks vary by operation. Common short-term issues: mild pain, red eye, watery discharge, or light sensitivity. More serious but less common problems include infection, bleeding, persistent vision changes, or need for a follow-up procedure. Ask your surgeon for their complication rate and how complications are handled.

Recovery timelines differ. LASIK patients often see improvement within 24–48 hours but may need several weeks of eye drops and follow-up checks. Cataract recovery usually takes a few weeks; colors may look brighter right after the lens swap. Retina or glaucoma surgeries can need longer monitoring and limited activity. Follow post-op rules: avoid heavy lifting, keep water and soap out of the eye, use prescribed drops exactly, and skip makeup until cleared.

How to pick the right surgeon: check board certification, years of experience with your specific procedure, and patient reviews. Ask about how many times they’ve done the exact operation you need and request before/after photos if appropriate. Don’t choose based on price alone—surgical skill matters more than a bargain.

Final quick tips: get a second opinion for complex cases, write down your questions before appointments, and plan for follow-up care. If you notice sudden vision loss, severe pain, increasing redness, or pus after surgery, contact your surgeon or emergency services right away. Good preparation and clear communication with your care team make the biggest difference in outcomes.