What You Should and Shouldn’t Do After Your Cataract Surgery

How Long Is the Cataract Surgery Recovery Period?

The actual procedure generally only takes 15 minutes to complete, but your doctor will place you in a recovery area for around 30 minutes while the anesthesia wears off. You’ll be asked to wear a protective eye shield for a few hours after the surgery and while you nap or sleep. 

Although most people report clear vision a few hours after surgery, don’t be alarmed if you notice blurry, distorted, or wavy vision. It’s also common to notice red or bloodshot eyes as the eye heals. If these symptoms don’t subside after a few days, report them to your eye doctor. 

Expect to apply eye drops for the first few weeks after surgery. The entire recovery period generally takes anywhere from a few weeks to a full month. Since everyone heals differently, you should report your progress to your eye doctor and follow their recommendations closely. 

The Do's And Don'ts After Your Cataract Surgery:

Immediately after the procedure, your ophthalmologist will give you a list of things you can and can’t do. Following their instructions is extremely important to ensuring a quick and successful recovery. Take their advice seriously and don’t be scared to ask any questions along the way. 

While everyone’s recovery period is different and your eye doctor will likely give you instructions specific to your eye, let’s go over some of the general do’s and don’ts following cataract surgery -- starting with the things you can do:

• You can watch TV
• You can be on your computer
• You can shower or take a bath
• You can read a book
• You can go for a walk
• You should take your eye drops as directed
• You should take it easy for at least a few days 
• You should be using your eye shield while you sleep
• You should wear sunglasses outside
• You should have someone drive you home after surgery
• You should rest if you feel tired

Now, let’s take a look at some of the things you shouldn’t do after your cataract surgery:

• Don’t rub your eye
• Don’t get soap or shampoo in your eye
• Don’t drive until your doctor allows it
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting
• Avoid swimming and hot tubs to prevent infection
• Don’t wear eye makeup for at least a month
• Don’t travel via an airplane
• Avoid sneezing or vomiting after surgery
• Avoid bending over after surgery to prevent pressure increase
• Avoid dusty areas to prevent getting irritants in the eye

When sleeping, it’s important to wear your protective shield for at least the first week -- maybe longer. When washing your face, make sure you don’t splash or get any water directly in your eye. You should also consider eating a healthy, well-balanced diet following your surgery. 

For example, add more fiber-rich foods to your daily diet, leafy green vegetables, and lean protein. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates to prevent rapid increases in blood sugar. A healthy diet gives your body the nutrients it needs during the recovery period.

Again, everyone’s recovery period is different, so listen to your eye doctor and follow their detailed instructions carefully. It won’t take long for your eyes to heal and you’ll have improved vision before you know it, so long as you’re careful throughout the recovery process.