Recovery Time after Cataract Surgery

If you are considering cataract surgery, you may be interested in the recovery time after the procedure. Elmquist Eye Group can answer your questions.

Since 1992, patients in Fort Myers and Cape Coral have visited Elmquist Eye Group for the highest quality eye care, including cataract evaluations and surgery, glaucoma evaluation and treatment, dry eye evaluation and treatment, and other eye conditions that affect people of all ages.

Yasaira Rodriguez, MD  is board certified ophthalmologist and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Dr. Rodriguez’s eye surgery expertise include cataract surgery, eyelid surgery and in-office procedures.

Recovery from Cataract Surgery

Many patients report clear vision within a few hours of cataract surgery and are amazed by the clarity and the brightness of colors. But each person heals differently, so don’t be alarmed if your vision is a bit cloudy or blurry. It may take a week or two before you see images in their sharpest focus.

In general, you should be able to watch TV, do some light computer work, and shower or bathe within a few hours of your surgery.

Typically, your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment with you on the day after your procedure to ensure there are no complications. If you feel discomfort or don’t notice any improvement in your blurry vision in the days following this appointment, be sure to report the situation to the surgeon.

Recovery following cataract surgery should be complete in about a month, when your eye is completely healed.

Recovery Tips

Although most people are able to resume their everyday activities about 24 hours after cataract surgery, there are some things you can do to ensure that healing goes smoothly. They include:

• Avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. Avoid rigorous exercise and heavy lifting.
• Don’t drive. Your doctor will tell you when you can safely resume driving.
• Use the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops your doctor prescribes. These are important to prevent infection and inflammation and to ensure proper healing.
• Avoid dusty areas. For a few weeks after surgery, your eyes may be more sensitive to irritants like dust. Consider having your home vacuumed and cleaned before having your cataract(s) removed.
• Don’t swim. Avoid swimming and using hot tubs for a week after surgery.
• Don’t rub your eye. Rubbing your eye can cause you to develop an infection.

Learn more about the recovery time after cataract surgery and what to expect from your vision by calling Elmquist Eye Group at (239) 936-2020. We welcome your questions and will do our best to provide accurate answers.