Cataract Surgery Recovery

Cataract surgery is widely accepted as one of the safest and most commonly performed surgical procedures in the world. Cataract surgery recovery is often very brief, with most patients returning to normal activities within days of surgery. Complications are rare, and significant complications occur in less than one percent of cases. Learn more about what to expect after cataract surgery by reading the information below.

After Cataract Surgery

After cataract surgery, you will need to be driven home because your vision will be impaired. Most patients only experience minimal discomfort after cataract surgery, and they may also encounter some mild redness or a sensation of itchiness in the affected eye. It is recommended that you rest for the remainder of the day after cataract surgery to promote healing. The doctor will provide you with eye drops and a protective shield to wear over your eyes at night to prevent complications. This eye shield will keep you from damaging your healing eye by preventing you from bumping or scratching it while you sleep. The use of eye drops and the protective shield is most important during the first week of cataract surgery recovery when the eyes are most vulnerable, but can be used for a longer period of time. Patients should keep the eye area clean and protected from injury. The day after cataract surgery, your surgeon will likely perform a post-operative exam to ensure that the eye is healing properly.

The cataract surgery recovery period is generally short, requiring about two to six weeks for the eye to heal. Some patients experience improved vision the day of cataract surgery, while others may need to wait about a week before clear visual results become noticeable. Cataract surgery usually changes a patient's corrective prescription needs, so most people do not achieve optimal vision correction until they receive new eyeglasses.

Cataract Surgery Complications

Cataract surgery is generally considered to be safe and effective. As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with the procedure. The following is a list of cataract surgery and lens implantation complications that may occur following treatment:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• High pressure in the eye
• Problems with the lens (such as damage or displacement)
• Retinal detachment
• Swelling of the cornea
• Drooping eyelids
• Clouding of the cornea
• Blindness
• Loss of the eye

Most of these cataract surgery complications are very rare. Discussing treatment with a qualified ophthalmologist ahead of time and following the doctor’s recommendations may reduce the risk of cataract surgery complications. Most patients report favorable cataract surgery results, including improved vision.

Cataract Surgery Results

After cataract surgery, complications are very rare and patients usually only feel mild discomfort for a few days. The vast majority of patients who undergo cataract surgery report excellent results. Not only do patients enjoy much clearer vision after cataract surgery, they are no longer plagued by the blurriness and halos that are common symptoms of cataracts.

Find a Cataract Surgeon in Your Area

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts and would like to learn more about your options, use our directory to contact a surgeon in your area. He or she will be able to answer any questions you may have about cataract surgery results, recovery, and possible cataract surgery complications.