Cataract Surgery Aftercare: What to Expect and Tips for Recovery

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Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that removes a cloudy, dysfunctional eye lens and replaces it with an artificial clear intraocular lens (IOL). 1 The operation lasts under an hour, and the new lenses are maintenance-free.

There are about 28 million cataract surgeries worldwide each year. Approximately 4 million take place in the United States. 2 Cataract surgery aims to enhance your vision. Ophthalmologists combine this operation with other procedures like glaucoma surgery. 3

7 Cataract Surgery Recovery Tips

To promote healing and avoid eye complications, you’ll need to follow the post-operation care guidelines your doctor provides. 8 Below are seven essential recovery tips for cataract surgery:

1. Avoid Driving

• Find a friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgery
• Plan for reliable transportation for your follow-up appointments
• Consult your doctor first, even when you think you’re fit to start driving again
• Wear a pair of driving glasses or sunglasses to prevent excess light from harming your eyes when you begin driving

2. Avoid Strenuous Activity

Intense activities and certain postures can increase eye pressure and interfere with healing. Therefore, avoid these as much as you can:

• Heavy lifting
• Contact sports
• Specific postures, such as bending that puts your head below your waist
• Sneezing or vomiting

Before returning to regular activities, talk to your doctor about your eyes’ stability and potential risks.

3. Avoid Water Contact

Water contains bacteria and other germs. Exposure to shower, river, or ocean water after surgery can cause an infection.

To be safe, wait at least 24 hours after surgery before showering. Remember to prevent the water from getting in your eyes when you shower. Moreover, speak to your eye doctor before resuming activities like swimming and bathing in the hot tub.

4. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes after cataract removal may interfere with the incision site. Your hands can also introduce bacteria to the site and cause infection.

To avoid rubbing your eyes, use the prescribed eye drops to soothe discomfort. Wearing an eye shield at night can also prevent you from accidentally rubbing your eyes while you sleep.

5. Protect Your Eyes

After surgery, your eyes are prone to irritants, dust, and other trauma. Your eye doctor may give you protective sunglasses to shield your eyes during healing.

They may also give you an eye shield to protect them from accidental injury while you sleep. You can also use sunglasses to protect your sensitive eyes from excess light that can lead to discomfort.

6. Avoid Makeup

Avoid applying anything to your face and eyes for at least two weeks. Don’t wear eye makeup, such as mascara, eyeliners, and artificial eyebrows. They can promote bacteria growth and lead to infection.

7. Follow Your Doctor’s Advice

During the first few weeks of recovery, take all correct medication dosages promptly. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any concerning side effects like vision loss or eye pain.