The aim of cataract surgery is to remove your eye’s natural lens that are already cloudy due to a cataract and then replace it with a clear artificial lens. Uncomplicated cataract surgery usually takes less than 10 minutes to perform, but you will need to rest up for about 30 minutes to one hour after the procedure. This is to ensure that you don’t feel groggy from sedation or from the anesthesia you were injected with before you get up to go home. As a precaution, it is better to have someone drive you home.
Some patients can see very well the day after surgery, but many usually experience cloudy, blurred, or distorted vision and dry eyes for a few days. Some people also reach maximum vision improvement a full month after surgery. To minimize recovery time, you should take the following steps:
Proper Aftercare
Cataract surgeons will provide you with a protective eye shield or eye patch which you must wear right after surgery. Don’t remove this right away, or if you need to, make sure to put it back on especially at night or when you sleep. This eye shield provides protection for your eye, and is usually required to be worn for at least several days. Your doctor might also tell you to wear goggles during the first week of surgery to avoid exposing your eye to dust, grime, and the wind.
To avoid developing an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops and anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce internal inflammation, if any. Usually, the drops are applied several times a day for the first week of surgery. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions to a tee. Avoiding pools, hot tubs, and saunas is also highly advised to reduce the risk of infections.
Resuming Normal Activities
As mentioned, you should avoid driving right after the procedure, however, it is possible to drive within 24 to 48 hours after surgery, assuming that your vision has immediately become clearer. You can resume with your normal activities, such as doing chores, but be sure that they are light and won’t be too straining. Avoid other strenuous activities for a few after surgery to ensure proper healing.
Other Instructions
To promote faster healing, try to avoid overexerting yourself. Your Los Angeles cataract surgeon, Dr. Ferzaad Moosa of Excel Laser Vision Institute, will advise you against bending over, performing strenuous exercises, and carrying heavy loads while you recover from the procedure. You’ll need to return to see the doctor the day after your surgery to examine your eye and vision and on other scheduled days.
