Most people see clearly within a few days of cataract surgery, but the eye takes about four weeks to heal fully. What you do in that first month, mainly using your drops correctly and protecting the eye, makes the biggest difference to a smooth recovery.
The first 24 hours
- Go home and rest. Someone else should drive you.
- Keep the eye shield on as advised, and wear it while sleeping for the first week.
- Mild grittiness, watering and blurred vision are normal on day one.
- Start your eye drops exactly as prescribed, usually from the same evening.
Week 1: protect the eye
- Don’t rub or press the eye, even if it itches.
- Keep water out. Bathe from the neck down and wipe your face with a damp cloth.
- Avoid dusty places, smoke and swimming pools.
- Reading, TV and phone use are fine in moderation.
- Walking is fine. Avoid bending low and lifting heavy weights.
Weeks 2 to 4: back to routine
- Most office work and light household work can resume after the first week, depending on your doctor’s advice.
- Continue the drops on the tapering schedule. Don’t stop early because the eye feels fine.
- Avoid swimming, eye make-up and contact sports until your doctor clears you.
- Driving can usually restart once your vision meets the legal standard and your doctor agrees.
Using eye drops correctly
- Wash your hands.
- Tilt your head back and gently pull down the lower lid.
- Put one drop into the pocket. Don’t let the bottle touch the eye.
- Close the eye for a minute.
- Wait 5 minutes between two different drops.
When will I get new glasses?
Your vision settles over 3 to 4 weeks. Your final glasses check is usually done at the one-month visit. Until then, many people manage with reading glasses from a pharmacy.
Call the hospital straight away if you have
- Increasing pain that painkillers don’t help
- Vision getting worse instead of better
- Increasing redness or sticky discharge
- A shadow or curtain over part of your vision, or a sudden shower of floaters
These are uncommon, but they need to be seen the same day.
Cataract recovery FAQs
Can I watch TV after cataract surgery?
Yes, from the next day. Take breaks if your eye feels tired.
When can I wash my hair?
Usually after the first week, with your head tilted back so water does not run into the eye.
Can a cataract come back?
No, but some people develop clouding of the lens capsule months or years later. A quick laser procedure clears it.
Planning cataract surgery? Read about cataract surgery at Dr. Solanki Eye Hospital or call 080 2356 2299.
