OOMC News

If you’re dealing with blurry vision from cataracts, surgical treatments will be able to help restore your eyesight. Typically, the procedure takes just a few minutes to complete for each eye, but how long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

Many people will be able to resume normal activities as early as the morning after cataract surgery. However, every patient is different. Check out our guide below to get an idea of how long it will take to recover from cataract surgery and what you can expect as your eyes begin to heal.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

Cataract surgery involves removing cataracts and replacing the damaged lens from each eye with a cataract lens or IOL. Overall, the procedure takes about ten minutes for one eye. After the surgery, patients will still experience a bit of blurry vision as their eyes begin to heal, along with a sandy or gritty feeling. This is completely normal and will fluctuate for several days after surgery.

Patients will notice improvements in overall eyesight and can resume normal, day-to-day activities as soon as the following day after the procedure. Many people may even see brighter colors as their eyes continue to adjust to new lenses over the recovery period.

While eyesight will begin to clear as early as the day after your cataract surgery, it will take a few weeks for eyes to recover fully. During this time, you may feel a bit of discomfort, but this should subside as your eyes continue to heal.

Also, your surgeon will provide you with a clear shield to wear to bed for about one to two weeks. This will help prevent you from scratching and injuring your eyes while you are sleeping.

TIPS FOR CATARACT SURGERY RECOVERY

To ensure proper recovery after cataract surgery, it’s important for patients to take a few precautions. You will need a ride home from surgery due to the medication you will be given before surgery. After you get home from your procedure, it’s best to rest your eyes and avoid any strenuous activities, like rigorous exercise or lifting weights, to keep from straining.

It’s also normal to feel some discomfort after cataract surgery. However, if your eyes start to feel itchy or irritated, do not rub them. Instead, use the drops provided by your surgeon. In addition to helping to alleviate discomfort during the recovery process, these drops can also prevent eye infections and reduce inflammation.

Finally, it’s crucial that you visit your local eye doctor throughout your cataract surgery recovery to make sure your eyes are healing properly. You’ll also want to look out for any serious issues after your cataract procedure. If you notice any form of vision loss, severe pain, or floaters in front of your eyes, contact your doctor for immediate treatment.