Navigating Recovery After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most performed and successful procedures in the world, restoring vision, independence, and quality of life for millions of people every year. But the journey to clearer sight doesn’t end once you leave the operating theatre.

A smooth and steady recovery is key to ensuring the best possible outcome. Whether you’re preparing for surgery, or you’ve just had it, this guide will walk you through what to expect, how to care for your eyes, and practical tips to help you heal confidently.

The first 24 hours: take it easy

Right after surgery, your eye will be covered with a protective shield or patch. This helps prevent accidental touching or injury while your eye begins to heal. Unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon, leave the shield in place.

What you might experience:

Blurred or hazy vision
Mild discomfort or gritty feeling
Redness or slight bleeding (on the patch or in the eye)
Heightened sensitivity to light
Difficulty with depth perception

Helpful tips:

Avoid screens and reading for the rest of the day—your eye needs to rest.
Use artificial tears (if approved by your surgeon) to ease irritation or dryness.
Keep the lights dim at home to reduce discomfort.
Have someone help you move around, especially on stairs or in low-light areas.

⚠️ If you had IV sedation or general anaesthesia, do not drive, drink alcohol, use machinery, or sign legal documents for at least 12 hours.

Eye drops: your healing routine

Eye drops are your best friends during recovery as they prevent infection, control inflammation, and support healing. After surgery, you will be provided with eye drops that best suit your needs.

Application tips:

Always wash your hands before applying drops.
Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid.
Let the drop fall into the “pocket” without touching your eye or lashes.
Wait at least 5 minutes between different drops.
To minimise drops draining into your throat (and reduce bad taste), gently press the inner corner of your eye for 30 seconds after instilling.

💡 Bonus Tip: Set alarms or reminders on your phone to help you stay on schedule, especially during the first week when drops are most frequent.

The first week: protect and prioritise your healing

This is a delicate time, your eye is adjusting and healing, so take things slow and follow these precautions:

Do:

Wear your sunglasses during the day to protect from wind and bright light.
Sleep with your eye shield for the first few nights, or as advised.
Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your eye.

Don’t:

Rub or press on your eye
Get soap, shampoo, or water into your eye when showering (face away from the stream)
Wear eye makeup or use makeup remover near the eye
Swim or use spa pools for at least two weeks
Do heavy lifting, bending over too far, or high-intensity exercise

You might experience:

Mild double vision or glare (this usually settles within a few days)
A halo effect around lights, especially at night

Extra recovery tips

Keep your home clutter-free to avoid tripping hazards when your vision is still adjusting.
Meal prep before surgery so you can avoid unnecessary effort post-op.
Stock up on over-the-counter pain relief ahead of time.
Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet, this helps your body heal faster.

When to seek medical attention

While complications are rare, it’s important to act quickly if you notice any of the following:

Severe pain that isn’t relieved with paracetamol
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Worsening vision after initial improvement
Increasing redness, swelling, or discharge
Flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow in your vision

Contact your eye care provider immediately if any of these occur.

Your follow-up appointment

Your post-op check-up (usually within a week) is crucial. Your ophthalmologist will:

Assess how your eye is healing
Check your vision
Discuss when it’s safe to drive again
Talk about whether you need glasses or can continue without them

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you’re recovering from cataract surgery or exploring your options, our friendly and experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.