What to expect after cataract surgery

The day of surgery

Cataract surgery is usually done as a day case – you will go home the same day. Depending on the type of anaesthesia you have for your surgery, your eye will have either a clear plastic shield or a pad and clear shield over it. The reason for the eye pad is that if you have an eye injection to numb the eye for surgery, it also affects your ability to blink – so we pad the eye closed until the anaesthetic wears off, usually till the next morning. If you have topical (drops) anaesthesia, with or without sedation, or general anaesthesia, we usually only use a clear plastic shield.

Your eye may feel slightly gritty or watery. Some people notice that colours look brighter or bluer through the operated eye – this is normal and shows the new lens implant is already working. Your vision will be blurry at first.

You may feel tired after surgery, even though the procedure itself only takes 20–40 minutes. This is normal – you have had an operation, and the eye drops, anxiety and concentration of the day take their toll. Rest when you get home.

Day 1 – the morning after

Many people are surprised at how well they can see the morning after surgery – even before using their drops. Vision is often noticeably clearer, brighter and sharper, though it may still be a little hazy or fluctuating.

Start your eye drops as prescribed. If you find it difficult to put drops in, ask a family member or friend to help – it makes a real difference. Clean around the eye gently with boiled, cooled water or sterile saline on clean cotton wool or gauze, wiping from the inner corner outwards.

Do not rub or press on the eye. Wear the plastic shield at night for the first week to stop you rubbing it in your sleep.

The first week

Vision continues to improve over the first few days. Some fluctuation is normal – you may find vision is clearer at some times of day than others. The eye may look red, particularly on the white of the eye near where the surgery was performed. This is normal bruising and clears over 1–2 weeks.

You can watch TV, read, and use your phone and computer from day one – there is no evidence that using your eyes delays healing. You can shower and wash your hair, but avoid getting soapy water directly in the eye.

Do not drive until you are confident your vision meets the DVLA standard – usually a few days to a week after surgery, but check with your surgeon.

Weeks 2–4

By the second week, most people feel their operated eye is seeing well and any redness has settled. You will usually still be using your steroid and antibiotic drops – it is important to complete the full course even if the eye feels fine.

If you had surgery on one eye and still need surgery on the other, you may notice a difference between the two eyes. This is normal and resolves once the second eye is done.

You can return to most normal activities including light exercise, cooking, and going out. Avoid swimming for at least 2 weeks, and avoid heavy lifting or very strenuous exercise for 2–4 weeks.

After 4 weeks

By four weeks, the eye is usually well healed. Your drops will have finished or be tapering off. You can resume all normal activities including swimming and vigorous exercise.

If you need new glasses, your optician can prescribe them from about 4–6 weeks after surgery, once the eye has fully settled. Some people find they no longer need distance glasses at all – this depends on the lens implant chosen and the refractive outcome achieved.

Common questions

Can I bend down after cataract surgery?

Yes. There is no restriction on bending, lifting light objects, or normal movement after straightforward cataract surgery.

Can I fly after cataract surgery?

Yes – there are no flying restrictions after standard cataract surgery (unlike vitrectomy surgery where a gas bubble is used). You can fly as soon as you feel well enough, though it is sensible to wait until your first post-operative check.

Will I still need glasses?

It depends on the lens implant chosen. With a standard monofocal lens set for distance, you will need reading glasses for close work. With an enhanced monofocal (monofocal plus) lens, you may find you need glasses less often for intermediate tasks like cooking and computer use. You will still likely need them for close work. With a multifocal or extended depth of focus lens, spectacle dependence is reduced further, though some patients still prefer glasses for prolonged reading or very fine detail.

How soon can I drive?

Most people can drive within a few days to a week, once their vision meets the DVLA standard – being able to read a number plate made after 2001 at 20 metres. Do not drive until you are confident, and check with your surgeon if unsure.

What if my vision is still blurry weeks later?

Some blurriness in the first few weeks can be normal, particularly if there is residual swelling or inflammation. If vision is not improving or is getting worse, contact your surgeon. Months or years after surgery, the capsule behind the lens implant can become cloudy (posterior capsule opacification, PCO) – this is easily treated with a quick laser procedure (YAG laser capsulotomy) in the outpatient clinic.