Cataract surgery – also known as lens replacement surgery – is one of the most common and successful procedures in the UK, and the World. It’s usually done as a day case, meaning you can go home the same day, and most people notice an improvement in their vision within just a few days.
That said, it’s completely normal to have questions about what to expect after cataract surgery – so we’ve created a clear, practical guide to the do’s and don’ts after cataract surgery, including recovery timelines and when to seek advice.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery?
Your eye may feel numb immediately after surgery, but this usually wears off within a few hours. Some mild symptoms are also completely normal in the first few days after treatment.
You may notice:
- Blurred vision for a day two before clarity quickly improves
- A gritty or dry feeling in the eye is normal and is relieved by using artificial tear drops
- Redness or a bloodshot appearance which usually resolves quite swiftly
- Watering eye and light sensitivity
These symptoms usually improve within a few days, and most people are seeing much more clearly after around 2–3 days. Peak and stable vision typically takes approximately 4 weeks as your eye settles and your vision stabilises.
Do’s After Cataract Surgery
Taking care of your eye properly in the first couple of weeks after cataract surgery helps ensure a smooth recovery.
1. Use your eye drops as prescribed
Your eye drops might feel like a small thing, but they play a big role in producing an optimal recovery and helping your eye settle down. You’ll normally use antibiotic drops for 1 week and anti-inflammatory drops for 2-4 weeks. Try to adhere to the schedule Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb has given you, even if your eye already feels fine. The post-operative booklet contains a chart to guide your eye drop routine and you can tick off the drops as they are instilled.
2. Be gentle with your eye
It might sound obvious, but avoiding rubbing or touching your eye is really important – especially in the early days when it’s still healing. Wearing your protective eye shield at night for the first week after cataract surgery is also important to protect your eye while you sleep.
3. Wear sunglasses outdoors
Your eyes may be more sensitive to sunlight, wind, and dust at first, so wearing sunglasses outside during the first week following cataract surgery will help to reduce irritation and improve comfort.
4. Take standard analgesia on the first day if needed
Your cataract surgery is likely to be painless, but occasionally patients report an ache around their eye on the first day. This usually resolves with standard household analgesia such as paracetamol.
5. Rest for the first few days
Most people feel comfortable doing gentle activities within 24–48 hours, but it’s best to avoid heavy exercise early on. Light activities like walking and gently lifting are absolutely fine, just avoid anything too physically demanding for the first 1-2 weeks
6. Keep things clean (but simple)
You can wash and shower as usual after cataract surgery, but try to avoid getting water, soap or shampoo directly into your eye for a few days. We advise wiping your face with boiled and cooled water rather than splashing water onto your face for the first 5 days. It’s also important to gently pat your face dry rather than rubbing.
Don’ts After Cataract Surgery
There are a few temporary “don’ts” to be aware of, mainly to avoid putting pressure on your eye or increasing the risk of irritation following cataract surgery.
1. Don’t drive home after your surgery
You won’t be able to drive after cataract surgery until you meet the DVLA requirements for vision (being able to read a number plate at 20.5 meters with both eyes open). Your eyes should take around three to four days to recover to this point, and we normally advise you to avoid driving for 5-7 days after surgery.
2. Avoid strenuous activity
If you’re wondering “what is considered strenuous activity after cataract surgery?”, think of anything that makes you strain, lift heavily, or raises your heart rate significantly – like gym workouts, running, or heavy lifting.
We recommend avoiding vigorous exercise for 4 weeks, while moderate exercise (like cycling) can often resume after around 5 days, if comfortable.
3. Stay out of pools and hot tubs
Swimming might be tempting as a gentle form of exercise, but it’s best avoided for 4 weeks to reduce the risk of infection and irritation while your eye is still healing.
4. Don’t rub your eyes while they’re healing
While it may be tempting to rub your eyes after cataract surgery, this is best avoided for 1-2 weeks. Try to avoid touching your eyes as much as possible in the early recovery stage.
5. Give makeup a short break
We recommend that you avoid wearing eye makeup after cataract surgery for around two weeks. Even if you apply it with the greatest care, there’s always a risk that particles from your eye makeup can end up getting into your healing eye.
Resuming Everyday Activities After Cataract Surgery
Cooking after cataract surgery
Cooking after cataract surgery is usually safe within 2-3 days, as long as you feel comfortable and your vision is clear enough.
It’s a good idea to:
- Avoid steam, heat, and splashes in the first week
- Avoid leaning directly over hot pans
- Avoid cooking completely if your vision still feels slightly blurry
Simple, no-heat meals like salads and sandwiches are a good place to start, as the primary danger is irritation from steam, intense heat, and heavy lifting. Most people are back to cooking after a few days.
Food not to eat after cataract surgery
Whilst there aren’t any specific foods you need to avoid after cataract surgery, eating a healthy balanced diet can help your recovery.
In the first few weeks, try to:
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Stay well hydrated to help maintain eye moisture
- Avoid rubbing your eye after handling or preparing foods that can cause irritation such as onions and chillis
If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar stable is particularly important, as this can affect how well your eye heals.
Can you drink alcohol after cataract surgery?
It is generally advised to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours after cataract surgery. This is because alcohol can cause dehydration, increase blood pressure, and interact poorly with pain medication.
Can you do housework after cataract surgery?
Light housework can usually be resumed within 2–3 days, but avoid getting dust or dirt in your eyes.
Light activities may include:
- Washing up
- Light cleaning
- Tidying
More physically demanding tasks such as vacuuming, changing bedding, or lifting heavy items, should be avoided for around 1–2 weeks, as they can involve straining.
How long after cataract surgery can you bend over?
You can bend down after 2-3 days but should bend your knees rather than lower your head. You should not lower your head for at least 1 week after surgery. While light, careful activity is fine within days, heavy bending, heavy lifting, and straining should be avoided for 4 weeks to allow the incision to heal safely.
Should I wear my old glasses after cataract surgery?
Usually, you cannot wear your old glasses comfortably or effectively after cataract surgery because your vision and prescription will have changed. You can remove the spectacle lens from the glasses frame on the side of the operated eye, but your prescription will need updating, with final glasses usually fitted 4–6 weeks post-surgery.
Recovering from Cataract Surgery with Confidence
For most people, recovery from cataract surgery is straightforward, with noticeable improvements in vision within just a few days.
By following these simple do’s and don’ts, and giving your eye time to heal, you can return to your normal routine safely and comfortably.
At iLase, Professor Muhtaseb provides expert aftercare and ongoing support, so you’re never left unsure about your cataract recovery. If you have any concerns at any stage, seeking advice can give you reassurance and help ensure the best possible outcome for your vision. Whether you need reassurance, a second opinion, or further treatment, expert advice is just a call away.
