The biggest cataract surgery risk is post op, and the potential culprit is the patient self-inflicting damage to the eyes. Turns out they don't use sutures to close up the eyeball. Instead, a flap is made so that like a ball valve the liquid inside exerts pressure to keep the flap closed. It's a neat way to do it. Problem is, if you push on the eyeball, the liquid will gush out and now Houston has a problem.
So, you wear around this metal eye mask for a week. Enough holes in it so you can get around.
Bonus: people are really really nice to you when you're out and about.
(via Jiro on iPhone)