I Just Had Cataract Surgery- Now What?

When you are planning for cataract surgery, one of your concerns is the recovery period. You want to know what to expect, and what to do to make healing easy and effective.

In most cases, it takes approximately six to eight weeks to completely heal from cataract surgery. While your doctor will let you know when to return for exams, much of your recovery is up to you.



For the best results, use the eye drops given to you by your doctor. The drops will control eye pressure, reduce inflammation and irritation, and prevent infection.

You must use the protective shield or eye patch. Your eyes should be covered during the day for a few days after you have the surgery. It is also important to wear it at nighttime. The shield will keep dirt, dust, residue, and bacteria out of your eye.

Avoid touching the eye until it has healed. While you may feel minor discomfort or itching, do not rub the eye; the drops will help.

Strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects, and bending over should be avoided for your first few days. These activities can cause pressure within your eye.

During your recovery time, do not allow water to get into your eyes. You can bathe carefully, but avoid showering and swimming.

Women who are recovering from cataract surgery should not wear cosmetics around the eyes.
Almost everyone who has this surgery needs to wear eyeglasses after their eyes have healed. Once they heal, you will have an examination for eyeglasses.

Although complications are rare, immediately contact your doctor if certain problems occur. These include excess coughing, vomiting, nausea, increased redness in the eye, excessive pain, floaters or light flashes, and loss of vision.

Cataract surgery can be the start to a future with clear vision.

Read More of the doctor's advice, and you can have an easy recovery period.