What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
Look ahead.
After cataract surgery, your doctor may put an eye patch or protective shield over your eye, and you’ll spend about a half hour in a recovery area. You cannot drive immediately following the surgery, so be sure to make arrangements beforehand for someone to drive you home once the doctor clears you.
How will I feel after cataract surgery?
For many patients, the difference in their vision after cataract surgery can be surprising. Below are a few other symptoms you may notice right away:
-
You may feel groggy or a bit “off” from the anesthesia, but it should only last a short time.
-
Your eyes may feel sensitive to light and a bit itchy for a few days following surgery.
-
You may notice glare and halos around bright lights at night. This is normal and may potentially become less noticeable after a few months.1,2
A day or two after cataract surgery, your doctor will want to see you to make sure you’re free of infection and recovering well.
How will I feel after cataract surgery?
For many patients, the difference in their vision after cataract surgery can be surprising. Below are a few other symptoms you may notice right away:
-
You may feel groggy or a bit “off” from the anesthesia, but it should only last a short time.
-
Your eyes may feel sensitive to light and a bit itchy for a few days following surgery.
-
You may notice glare and halos around bright lights at night. This is normal and may potentially become less noticeable after a few months.1,2
A day or two after cataract surgery, your doctor will want to see you to make sure you’re free of infection and recovering well.
Recovering from cataract surgery
After 24 hours
Low-impact daily activities
with the exception of driving
After 1 week
Exercising
After 1 month
Full recovery
Your eye doctor will let you know of any other restrictions after cataract surgery as well as when you can drive again. If you’re unsure about what tasks are permitted after surgery, call your doctor.
PP2022CT5084
Recovering from cataract surgery
After 24 hours
Low-impact daily activities
with the exception of driving
After 1 week
Exercising
After 1 month
Full recovery
Your eye doctor will let you know of any other restrictions after cataract surgery as well as when you can drive again. If you’re unsure about what tasks are permitted after surgery, call your doctor.
PP2022CT5084
