What to expect after a cataract surgery?

Posted by Mayank Sharma on December 23rd, 2018

Cataract surgeries are perhaps the most common and safest eye surgery that people go through in their lifetime. Any uncomplicated surgery takes between ten to fifteen minutes, post which the patient is shifted to the eye hospital’s recovery room for about an hour, which is followed by a peaceful visit back home.

While normal recovery time for cataract surgery ranges from a month to forty days, here are few things that you can expect post surgery and what you can do for a speedy recovery.

Days following the cataract surgery

Once out of the eye hospital, be prepared for little uneasiness in the eyes and blurred visions during initial days. You may also experience wavy visions. These symptoms will fade away eventually as the eye heals and adapts itself to the intraocular lens. Eventually, the distorted visions will change into bright and clear visuals. You might also see dark spots under the eyes, often caused by injecting anesthesia; or see redness inside your eyes, a result of damaged capillaries on the eye’s surface. Do not panic as these are just initial hurdles and will be taken care of by the eye drops and medicines. Though, if these conditions persist even after few days of the cataract surgery, it might be a sign of an eye infection or some post-surgical complications. In such cases, do visit your eye hospital immediately.

Things to do for a speedy recovery

A little bit of precaution post cataract surgery can help you recover faster. To begin with, when moving out of the eye hospital (post surgery), be sure that you are not still groggy due to the anesthesia. Walk out only once you feel better and ensure that you have good company to drop you home. On the way, do not forget to wear the eye mask as per advice from the eye hospital.

Once home, some special care to not bump into the door or someone shall save your eye from bruises. Heavyweight lifting is an absolute no while doing any other activity that puts extra pressure on your eyes (like bending) should be avoided. Avoid exposing your eyes to dirt or any foreign object and put away your swimming and Jacuzzi love for hold till you recover completely. Drive only if your eyes are not strained and take short breaks while working on a computer or watching a TV.

For more information on what cataract surgery is all about and what should you expect, contact us at our website.