Cataract surgery is typically a short, outpatient procedure. On average, the surgery itself takes between 10 to 30 minutes per eye, depending on the method used, the patient’s eye condition, and the complexity of the cataract.
Traditional Cataract Surgery Timing
Traditional cataract surgery — the method used by Dr. Cronje — is a highly refined, efficient procedure. Once the eye is numbed with local anaesthetic (and often supported with medicine to help you relax), the surgeon makes a tiny incision, removes the cloudy lens using ultrasound, and replaces it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL).
- Surgical time: Typically 10–20 minutes per eye
- Recovery room time: Around 30–60 minutes after surgery for observation
- Discharge: Same day — patients go home with clear instructions and follow-up care
Because traditional surgery doesn’t require complex setup or imaging systems, it’s often quicker overall than laser-assisted procedures.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Timing
Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses a femtosecond laser to automate certain steps, such as making the incision and softening the lens. While this may offer additional precision in specific cases, it also adds extra steps to the procedure.
- Patients must be positioned on a separate laser platform
- Imaging and calibration take additional time
- The eye is then moved to a second surgical station to complete the procedure
- Surgical time: Often 20–30+ minutes per eye, depending on complexity
- Total procedure time: Can be longer due to setup, imaging, and repositioning
Summary: Which Is Faster?
In general, traditional cataract surgery is faster and more streamlined, particularly in clinics that focus on efficient surgical flow. Laser-assisted surgery may take longer due to its two-step process and more extensive pre-operative imaging.
Despite these differences, both types of surgery are typically completed in under an hour, including preparation and post-op monitoring.
