Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures around the world. Given that cataracts are typically a product of aging and most people age, this fact shouldn’t be surprising. A cataract operation can be life-changing – once you were blind but now you can see. While many people notice a significant improvement to their sight soon after their procedure, between the operation and the real “now you can see” part is what we call the recovery period.
Is Cataract Surgery Dangerous?
If you’re not inclined to laugh in the face of danger like the young and naïve Simba from The Lion King, you’ll be pleased to know that cataract surgery is not generally considered to be a risky procedure. However, like any type of surgery, there are risks involved and these may be more pronounced for certain patients depending on the specific situation. Cataract surgery risks can include the potential for infection, persistent inflammation and related complications, worsening of a pre-existing eye disease, or retinal detachment.
This is also a nice segue into introducing your guide to cataract surgery recovery, as most of these recommendations revolve around reducing your risks of complications.
Your Guide to Recovery from Cataract Surgery
Know what to expect
Understanding what to expect regarding your vision and pain in the hours and days following your operation can help you to identify when something is not quite right.
Immediately after your procedure and once the anesthesia wears off, your eye may feel scratchy, dry, and swollen. You can expect your vision to be blurry, though colors may already feel brighter and more vibrant. If you have a cataract in the other eye that will be removed at a later date, you may feel a little imbalanced with one eye clearer than the other, and your glasses may not be the right prescription anymore. Your eye is also likely to look slightly red.
In the following days, the whites of your eyes will clear, and the gritty, dry sensation will resolve. However, if you have existing dry eye disease or dryness that has been exacerbated by the surgery, the irritation may persist. Your vision should be improving by this point but will still need more time.
Over the following 4-6 weeks, your eye continues to heal. Your vision may continue to change and stabilize during this time. Though full healing can be a few months, you can expect your vision to be pretty good by as soon as 2-3 weeks post-op.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions
The doctor knows best, second perhaps only to your mother (and if your mother is a cataract surgeon, well, that certainly can’t be beat). Typical guidance for the cataract surgery recovery period includes:
- Using your medicated eye drops, adhering to the dosing instructions provided
- Protecting your eye from debris, irritants, and trauma, including eye rubbing, dusty and dirty environments, and being cautious about cosmetics and hygiene products around your eyes
- Avoiding strenuous activity, such as vigorous exercise and lifting heavy objects
- Staying away from unsterile water sources, including the beach, pool, sauna, and hot tub to minimize the risk of an infection
- Waiting to drive until cleared by your surgeon, even if you feel okay to drive
Returning to work
Scheduling your return to work after cataract surgery typically depends on your occupation. If your work puts you at a risk of trauma, infection, or contamination to your eye, it’s best to stay away for a few weeks. If you hold a nice, calm desk job, you may be feeling okay to return within a few days. Your surgeon will be able to provide a clearer timeline based on your vocational activities.
Be vigilant for red flag symptoms
We did say that cataract surgery is not considered a high-risk procedure, but sometimes things do go wrong. Red flag symptoms are those that are not part of the normal course of cataract surgery recovery, and need immediate attention from your eye surgeon. They include:
- Deterioration or loss of vision, including the sensation of a dark shadow or curtain obscuring part of your sight
- Persistent or increasing pain
- Increasing redness of the whites of your eyes
- The sudden appearance of floating spots or flashing lights
- Nausea, vomiting, or unusually intense coughing
Modern cataract surgery is truly a miracle of medicine. Your cataract surgeon is available to answer your specific questions and provide further guidance on what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.