Recovering after cataract surgery: the first four weeks

The first 24 hours

Going home

You will need someone to take you home, because your eye will be covered with a shield and your vision will be blurred. Rest for the remainder of the day. Keep the shield on as advised, especially while sleeping, so you do not rub the eye by accident.

What you may feel

A gritty or scratchy feeling, mild watering and slight sensitivity to light are common in the first day or two. Blurry vision is expected at first and usually clears steadily over the following days.

Eye drops and daily care

Using your drops

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops, usually for several weeks. Wash your hands before each dose, do not let the bottle tip touch your eye, and wait about five minutes between different drops. A simple chart on the fridge helps you keep track.

Keeping the eye clean

Avoid getting tap water, soap or shampoo into the eye for the first week. Wipe gently around the closed eye with cooled boiled water and clean cotton if your doctor recommends it.

Getting back to normal activities

Screens, reading and walking

Reading, watching television and using a phone will not harm the eye, although you may tire quickly at first. Light walking is fine from the next day. Avoid heavy lifting, bending with your head below your waist and dusty places in the first week.

Driving, exercise and swimming

Ask your doctor before driving: you need to meet the legal vision standard and feel confident. Swimming, contact sports and eye make-up are usually avoided for about four weeks. Your new glasses prescription, if you need one, is normally checked once the eye has settled.

When to call your eye doctor

Warning signs

Call the clinic promptly if you notice increasing pain, worsening redness, a sudden drop in vision, new floaters or flashes of light, or a shadow across your vision. These are uncommon, but they need to be checked the same day.