In most cases, the recovery following cataract surgery is short and only mildly uncomfortable. There are few risks associated with modern cataract surgery and your chances of experiencing a post-surgical complication are very low. Our patients usually recover quickly from surgery and enjoy much sharper, clearer vision after they have fully recovered.
After the surgery, your doctor will place a protective shield over your eyes, which you should leave in place for the first few hours following surgery. Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so patients are able to return home within a few hours of the surgery’s completion. Your vision will be blurry immediately after surgery and you may feel tired or groggy from the anesthesia. Be sure to have a friend or relative drive you home after surgery. You will be given a pair of sunglasses to wear on the journey home to protect your eyes from bright light.
Once home, you may feel like resting for a few hours. It’s best to use the protective eye shield when taking naps and sleeping at night for the first several days. When you remove the shield, your vision may be cloudy, or distorted, which is a normal occurrence as your eyes get used to using the intraocular lenses for vision. Your eyes may also appear red or bloodshot for the first few days because blood vessels are easily damaged during cataract surgery. You may experience itching and mild discomfort, but should refrain from rubbing or scratching the eyes as this will prolong your recovery. You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to administer several time a day for as long as our doctor recommends.
Your vision may begin to get sharper within a few hours of the surgery or it could take as long as week before you experience clear vision. The length of time depends on how your body heals and how quickly your visual system adapts to the intraocular lenses. Your doctor will perform a follow up exam to monitor the healing process. You’ll be asked to return to the office for an additional checkup. You should be able to resume normal activities within a few days of surgery and experience a complete recovery within one month.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries performed today, with very few patients experiencing complications during their recovery. We will be monitoring your progress during your recovery, but ask you to contact us immediately if you experience any of the following problems:
You are also welcome to contact us if you have any questions or concerns during the recovery process.
We serve patients in Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Irvine, and Newport Beach, as well as other Orange County and Los Angeles communities including Fountain Valley, Westminster, and Costa Mesa.