There is a slightly higher risk of infection and surgical complications in someone with diabetes than someone without. However, today most of those risks can be minimized.
Unlike major surgery, cataract surgery is normally an outpatient procedure done only with local anesthetic and in some cases "twilight" sedation (the latter does not have to be used in most cases). Alternatively, if the person is very anxious and may disrupt the surgery, they may be given or request some light tranquilizers. Since the eye will be "frozen", and the pupil dilated, the person should feel no pain and will not see anything but blurriness. The *idea* of what is happening is usually worse than the actual surgery.
Antibiotic drops are given to prevent infection, as far as I know. In some cases, if a person is very prone to infection, a short course of oral antibiotic treatment may be given prior to surgery.
Overall, if a person with diabetes controls their blood sugar and uses the antibiotic drops, they should heal nicely in most cases. Poor circulation, proneness to slow healing and infections, and poor blood sugar control with all increase the risk of adverse effects. However, since the eye usually heals nicely, more than likely there will be no additional problems.
Hopefully someone here can give some personal experience!
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Pre-Med Student | 
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