A cataract is when the naturally clear lens of your eye turns cloudy. This is a natural part of aging, one that can, thankfully, be reversed with cataract surgery. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one to improve and sharpen your vision.
Many people wonder what to expect after cataract surgery. Rest assured that most patients experience straightforward healing, with many seeing clearly within a few days. However, cataract surgery recovery time can take up to three months. Here’s a closer look at what happens after cataract surgery and some post-op care tips.
Immediately After Cataract Surgery
When surgery is complete, your eye surgeon will place a lightweight protective shield over your eye. You will also receive a pair of dark sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity.
Expect to spend some time in the recovery area. There, your ophthalmologist will answer any post-operative questions you have. Your follow-up appointments may also be scheduled at this time.
You’ll need to arrange to have someone drive you home. If you haven’t already, stop at the pharmacy to fill the medications your doctor has given you.
You can remove the eye shield when you get home, but continue to wear it while sleeping for at least a week. You may feel a burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in your eye during cataract surgery recovery. Apply eye drop medication as instructed to combat these symptoms.
Feel free to engage in light activities when you feel comfortable, such as reading, watching TV, and walking. You can bathe or shower like normal as well, but take care to keep water out of your eyes. Also, avoid rubbing or putting pressure on your treated eye.
A Few Weeks Following Cataract Surgery
Expect to have a follow-up visit with your ophthalmologist the day after surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you to and from this appointment. You should be able to resume driving, working, and doing other activities within a week.
The gritty feeling and eye sensitivity may linger for several days, so continue using your medicated eye drops and wearing dark sunglasses when outdoors. Glare and halo around lights may occur for a few weeks after surgery. This is normal.
Further Recovering from Cataract Surgery
About two to three months after cataract surgery, your eye should feel normal, and your vision should be clear and stable. Another follow-up visit within this timeframe ensures your eye has fully healed. Any residual nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism may require corrective eyewear. If you want clearer vision without glasses, consider laser vision correction, such as LASIK, PRK, or SMILE.
Want to turn the clock back on your eyes? Consider scheduling cataract surgery at Cheyenne Eye Clinic & Surgery Center. If you live in Cheyenne, WY, skip the road trip, and visit an experienced and trustworthy surgical staff right here in town! Our board-certified ophthalmologist has extensive cataract surgery experience, offering professionalism, thoughtfulness, and patience during post-op patient reviews. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a cataract surgery consultation.