Cataracts: Outpatient Surgery Today, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, using a topical or local anesthetic, which assures a rapid recovery. For added safety and comfort, Dr. Weinkle is assisted by an experienced anesthetist. The surgery itself takes about ten (10) minutes and you can usually return home within a few hours. After Surgery Arrangements should be made for someone to drive you home after surgery. Plan to stay home and rest with a family member or friend if one is available. Pain medication is seldom necessary. The following morning you will return to our office, and Dr. Weinkle will examine your eyes. You will be instructed to use eye drops for 3 to 4 weeks. During the day wear your regular spectacles or complimentary sun shields to protect your operated eye. You may use your eyes as much as you wish during the recovery period. Feel free to watch television, sew and read, and in general, return to your normal lifestyle. Avoid lifting heavy objects or other strenuous activities for one week, and keep eye dry and free of soap products, no swimming for 2 weeks. The first few days after surgery your vision may be fuzzy. Over the next several days, as your eye heals, your vision will improve. When your eye has stabilized, usually within three to four weeks, you will be examined for new spectacles.