After Cataract Surgery

While each person's experience will be unique, here are a few things that most people experience following cataract surgery.

This is just a guide, however, so please ask your doctor for more details.

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Immediately After Cataract Surgery

  • You may feel groggy from the local anesthesia. This is normal and will wear off fairly quickly.
  • Your doctor may place antibiotic drops in your eye to prevent infection and administer anti-inflammatory drops to minimize swelling. You may also be provided an eye patch.
  • You may receive prescription medications and instructions on how to care for your eye. Your follow-up appointment(s) will be scheduled, and then you will go home. Your doctor may give you dark sunglasses for the drive.
  • Relax and let your caregiver fill and deliver your prescriptions. You will not be allowed to drive yourself.
  • Avoid touching or rubbing your eye or removing the protective covering. Your eye may feel sensitive, even scratchy, for a few days. You may even see a little glare or halos,   Halos: A visual effect, in which a circular flare or hazy ring of light may appear around a headlight or other lighted object.   but this will go away over time.
  • Resume your normal daily activities—except for driving—within the first 24 hours, unless told otherwise. Avoid lifting anything over 15 pounds as it can increase intraocular pressure.
  • Wear your protective eye covering while you sleep, if advised, and try to avoid sleeping on the side of your body that has been operated on.
  • The next day, you should return to your doctor for a check-up.
  • Don't wear eye make-up until your doctor tells you it is okay.
  • If you are in good health, you should be able to resume intense exercise after one week.

Individual results may vary. No information contained here is intended to substitute for a physician's advice.

Life After Cataract Surgery


  • Within the first month, your eye should fully recover. Your brain will continue learning how to work with your new IOL. If you have dry eyes, your physician may administer some mild dry-eye therapy drops.
  • Return for your follow-up visit a month later. If you need cataract surgery on your other eye, this is likely when that will occur. If you received a monofocal IOL and are not having surgery in your other eye, this is the time when you will be fitted for new eyeglasses or contact lenses.
  • Challenge your vision by engaging in a full range of activities. The more your eyes and brain work together, the more you will enjoy the results.
  • You will continue to adjust for the next 2 to 4 months, probably feeling and seeing great. You doctor may still want to check your progress, especially if you have another eye condition.
  • If you develop a secondary cataract, where the posterior capsule holding the IOL becomes cloudy, which is not common, your doctor will perform an in-office, follow-up procedure using a YAG laser.
  • At 6 months, your vision should be optimal. Do anything and everything you can.
  • At one year, and every year thereafter, have a complete eye exam by an eye care professional.

Read more:

Cataract Surgery Risks