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What to Expect After Cataract Surgery

time to read 5 minutes

Going in for cataract surgery? Keep these pointers in mind

 

Cataract surgery is a quick, painless, day care procedure with a high success rate22. It is expected that your vision will be blurry for a few days after the surgery because the new lens needs time to adjust. After you safely recover from the surgery, your vision will return to pre-cataract clarity23. Follow your eye surgeon’s instructions meticulously.

 

Here is a list of things to keep in mind to speed up recovery after the surgery:

 

What to do after cataract surgery?

  • Wear an eye patch or shield for 3-4 hours after the cataract surgery, or as recommended by your eye surgeon24. This is to protect your eye from any external infections.
  • Clean the eye properly for a week with sterile cotton or gauze25. The surgeon or the nursing staff will instruct you and your family caregivers on the correct procedure to clean the eye.
  • Use the eye drops prescribed by the surgeon regularly. Wash your hands thoroughly before putting the drops in the eye26. Keep the nozzle of the bottle clean.

 

What to avoid after cataract surgery?

  • Don’t touch or rub your eye, even if you feel an itchy sensation.
  • Don’t wear eye make-up, swim, and undertake heavy physical activities such as weightlifting for 1-2 weeks or as advised by your surgeon27.

If you experience the following symptoms in the eye which had surgery, contact your surgeon immediately:

  • Severe pain in the eye
  • Sudden increase in redness and swelling of the eye
  • Flashes of light or black spots in front of your eye28
Elderly person during eye drops
Ophthalmologist talking to the patient
Ophthalmologist talking to the patient

SURGEON DISCUSSION GUIDE

 

You have options when it comes to your intraocular lenses. Lead the conversation with your doctor to understand the cataract lens choice that’s right for you.

 

Ophthalmologist talking to the patient
Ophthalmologist talking to the patient

FIND A CATARACT SURGEON NEAR YOU

 

Use the Practice Locator tool to locate a surgeon near you who offers a range of cataract lens options.

 

Ophthalmologist talking to the patient
Ophthalmologist talking to the patient

CHECK YOUR CATARACT UNDERSTANDING

 

Have you or your loved one been diagnosed with cataracts? Take this quiz to check if you know enough about cataracts and cataract surgery.