Cataract Surgery Recovery
Recovery From Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a very safe and effective way to treat cataracts, and most people experience a significant improvement in their vision after the procedure. In most cases, you can expect your vision to be much clearer within a few days or weeks after surgery.
However, it is important to keep in mind that your eye will be healing and adjusting to the new intraocular lens (IOL) for some time after surgery. For this reason, you will need to take some precautions and follow your eye doctor’s instructions for a period of time after surgery.
Cataract Surgery Recovery Time
Generally speaking, you can expect to go home a few hours after your surgery. Most people feel well enough to resume their normal activities within a day or two, but you will need to avoid strenuous activity, water near your eyes, sweating, and take it easy for at least a week or so.
You will also need to come back for a follow-up visit with your eye doctor the day after surgery, one-week post-surgery, and then again for a one-month appointment.
It’s important to follow all of your eye doctor’s instructions during your recovery and to attend all of your follow-up appointments. This will help ensure that your vision continues to improve and that any potential complications are caught early.
What To Expect After Cataract Surgery
Most people experience some degree of soreness, redness, or irritation after surgery, but this is usually mild and goes away within a few days to weeks. Your eye may also water more than usual for the first few days. You typically use eye drops to help with healing and to reduce inflammation.
It’s normal to have:
- grittiness
- watering
- blurred vision
- double vision
- a red or bloodshot eye
These side effects usually improve within a few days, but it can take 4 to 6 weeks to recover fully.
You should avoid strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects, or rubbing your eye for the first week or two after surgery. You may also be instructed to wear an eye shield at night for a week or two to protect your eye.
Using Your Cataract Surgery Eye Drops
Before you leave the surgical center, you’ll be given some eye drops to help your eye heal and prevent infection. It’s important to use your eye drops as instructed by your doctor.
Unless told otherwise, you should:
- start your drops the morning after the operation
- only use them on an operated eye
- wash your hands before using your drops
- do not stop your eye drops without advice from your doctor
- do not let anyone else use your eye drops
Be sure to call your doctor right away if you experience any severe pain, vision problems, or excessive swelling or redness in your eye.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Cataract Surgery
Most people see better 1 to 3 days after surgery. You can read or watch TV right away, but things may look blurry at first. Most people are able to return to work or their normal routine in 1 to 3 days.
Cataract surgery is considered a safe and effective way to treat cataracts, and most people experience a significant improvement in their vision after the procedure. In most cases, you can expect your vision to be much clearer within a few days or weeks after surgery.
If you are considering cataract surgery San Antonio, most patients will have cataract surgery on Thursday, post-op appointment on Friday and return to normal activities on Monday.
Be sure to talk to one of our doctors about not only the benefits of vision correction, but also any risks of vision correction that may pertain to your individual needs and circumstances.
