Cataract laser surgery is a common surgical procedure that often takes less than an hour to perform. Still, this surgery can dramatically affect the life of the patient who undergoes the procedure. While the side effects are minimal and the healing time is often short, it's still good to know what to expect. The following frequently asked questions and answers will help you prepare for the surgery, so you'll be ready when it occurs.

What can you do to make your laser cataract surgery heal more quickly?

• Wear your protective patch after surgery. Your doctor may give you a protective patch, and give you instructions to wear the patch after the surgery takes place. Follow all doctor's recommendations regarding the patch, and wear the patch to bed for several evenings after the surgery.
• Avoid strenuous activity. Avoid any heavy lifting, running, chores and other intense physical tasks.
• Take your antibiotic eye drops. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops. Follow your physician's instructions and continue to take the full course of antibiotics until they run out.
• Avoid rubbing your eye. Rubbing your eye during the healing process can cause damage and exacerbate the problem.

Do you have to stay in a hospital or doctor's office after the surgery?

Cataract laser surgery is an outpatient procedure. Your doctor will likely keep you in the office for a little while after the surgery to let the grogginess from the anesthesia wear off, but you should be able to go home on the same day of the surgery. Make arrangements for someone to drive you home; do not plan to drive yourself home.

Do your eyes hurt after cataract surgery, and for how long?

You may experience mild discomfort--some pain and itchiness--after the surgery. Your doctor will likely prescribe medicine to help with the discomfort. These sensations should subside after a couple days.

Do you keep your old glasses after the surgery?

Your doctor will likely change your eye glasses prescription after the surgery is over. However, your vision may change after the cataracts are gone and normal eye function returns. Many people get new glasses approximately 6 weeks after the surgery is complete. Speak with your eye doctor about your eye glasses if you believe you need new glasses when the surgery is over.

For more information about the surgery, contact your eye doctor before the scheduled date of the surgery. He or she can answer your questions and tell you more about what to expect after the procedure is complete.