Cataract surgery recovery is usually straightforward, but healing is individual. Vision may improve rapidly while the eye continues to heal over the following days and weeks.
What Is Normal After Cataract Surgery?
- Mild irritation or scratchiness
- Temporary blurred or fluctuating vision
- Light sensitivity
- Mild redness
- Increased awareness of the operated eye
When Does Vision Improve?
Some patients notice a major improvement within the first day. Others experience slower improvement because of corneal swelling, inflammation, retinal conditions, dry eye, preexisting eye disease, or other factors. Your surgeon can tell you whether your recovery is progressing as expected.
Driving After Cataract Surgery
Do not drive until your surgeon says it is safe and you meet applicable vision and safety requirements. The timing varies according to your vision, the operated eye, the other eye, and your surgeon’s instructions.
Exercise and Daily Activities
Your surgeon will give you individualized restrictions. Avoid activities that could expose the healing eye to contamination, trauma, or excessive pressure until you are cleared.
Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up visits allow the surgical team to evaluate vision, inflammation, eye pressure, corneal clarity, retinal status when indicated, and the position of the IOL.
When Should You Call Your Surgeon?
New or worsening vision loss, significant pain, increasing redness, substantial light sensitivity, flashes or a sudden increase in floaters, or other concerning symptoms should be reported promptly according to your surgeon’s instructions.
Important: Recovery instructions differ among patients and surgical practices. Follow the instructions given by your own ophthalmologist.
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