Cataract Surgery Recovery
A cataract surgery without any complications typically lasts only about 15 minutes. Patients should expect to be at our surgery center for at least 90 minutes or longer, due to extra time needed prior to surgery (dilating pupil; administering pre-operative medication) and for a brief postoperative evaluation and instructions about the cataract surgery recovery.
If a patient needs cataract surgery in both eyes, Dr. Cartwright typically will prefer to wait one to three weeks between procedures, so the first eye has healed sufficiently and before the second surgery is performed.
Patients must have someone drive them home after cataract surgery, and they must not attempt to drive until they returned for a post op the day after surgery, and Dr. Cartwright tests their vision and confirms that they are safe to drive.
The patient will be prescribed medicated eye drops to use several times each day for a few weeks after cataract surgery. Also, they must wear your protective eye shield while sleeping or napping for about a week after surgery. To protect your eyes from sunlight and other bright light as the eye recovers, patients will be given a special pair of postoperative sunglasses.
Also, many centers require someone to be with the patient after cataract surgery if they received anesthesia. Be sure to ask about this requirement prior to your cataract procedure so you are prepared for surgery day.
While the eye heals, in some cases, some eye redness and blurred vision during the first few days or even weeks following the procedure might occur.
During at least the first week of the recovery, it is essential that to avoid:
• Strenuous activity and heavy lifting (nothing over 25 pounds).
• Bending, exercising and similar activities that might stress your eye while it is healing.
• Water that might splash into your eye and cause infection. Keep your eye closed while showering or bathing. Also, avoid swimming or hot tubs for at least two weeks.
• Any activity that would expose your healing eye to dust, grime or other infection-causing contaminants.
Dr. Cartwright may give other instructions and recommendations for cataract surgery recovery, depending on specific needs and the outcome of the procedure. Please call Medical Eye Associates for advice at 888-899-8757 if you have any questions at any time after cataract surgery.