What Happens After Cataract Surgery?
The eye heals quickly and most people are back to their full daily activities by 3 or 4 days after their cataract surgery. Each doctor has their own suggestions for post-operative care which you should follow, but the following general points are common.
- Avoid rubbing your eye for one week after your surgery. Many doctors recommend sleeping with a shield over the eye for one week to protect your eye from inadvertent rubbing while you are asleep.
- No swimming with your face under the water for one week after your procedure.
- No strenuous activities for one week, but most of your daily household activities should be OK after the first few days.
- It is generally safe to bathe or shower within 24 hours after your surgery as long as you keep your eye closed.
- In general your eye should feel better, and have better vision each day after your surgery. If a day or two goes by and things seem to be getting worse you should contact your doctor immediately.
- Use your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Usually there will be several medications both to prevent an infection as well as to help the eye to be comfortable and heal quickly. If a medication seems to be giving you irritation or problems call your doctor to discuss.
You will have several follow-up visits after your surgery. The first one is a quick safety check within 24 hours of your procedure. If things are going well a second visit is usually made in the next 1-2 weeks, and a final visit 4-5 weeks after your surgery. A prescription for glasses is usually given at this last visit if one is required.
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