Valley Laser Eye Centre Logo in White
Book a Consultation

Our Guide to Post-Cataract Surgery – What You Should & Shouldn’t Do

If you develop a cataract — a disease that causes clouding on the eye’s natural lens — that severely hampers your vision and the way you function, your doctor will most likely suggest that you undergo cataract surgery. Contrary to what many people think, however, the operation is only an outpatient procedure that lasts for about ten minutes, so you’ll get to go home on the same day. Recovery time doesn’t need to take place in a hospital as post-op instructions will be provided by the doctor. If you follow them diligently, you’ll be able to recover in no time.

A comparison of how cataracts affects someones vision. The left image is a clear open road, the right image is a blurry open road.
An example of how a cataract can affect vision and daily activities.

What happens after cataract surgery?

After your doctor performs the surgery, you’ll be lead to a recovery area where you can wear out the anesthesia. Once done, a pair of special eyewear will be provided to wear on the trip home to shield your eyes from bright light and glare. Depending on your case and the instructions from your ophthalmologist, you may be able to remove the protective shield placed on your eye merely hours after the surgery. Remember, however, that you will have to tape it back when you sleep for protective purposes until after the recovery period.

How long does recovery take?

Each person heals differently, so your recovery period may vary. In the beginning, you may experience some cloudiness with your vision after removing the eye shield, but know that this is normal because it usually takes your eyes time to adjust to the removal of the cataract. You may also notice damaged blood vessels, which will dissipate gradually as your eye heals.

If injections were involved during the procedure, you might expect to see some bruising. Again, this is normal and should go away within a few days. The only time you should contact your doctor is when you don’t see any improvement in your vision or when you feel intense discomfort.

Most patients report a full recovery within a month after their eyes have completely healed. This may also be the case for you. Yet again, it all depends on how your body is equipped to handle healing.

Dos and don’ts during cataract surgery recovery

Most people can resume with their usual routine about a day post-surgery, but some instructions need to be followed:

  • Do follow all your doctor’s instructions regarding anti-inflammatory eye drops or antibiotics to facilitate proper healing.
  • Don’t drive on the first day following the surgery and ask someone else to drive you instead. Consult your doctor regarding when it’s safe to resume driving.
  • Don’t engage in any strenuous activity like exercise and heavy lifting for a few weeks after the surgery.
  • Don’t swim or using the hot tub during the first week of post-surgery.
  • Don’t go to dusty areas as your eyes will be sensitive to dust, dirt, and pollen.
  • Don’t rub your eye area to avoid incurring infection.
  • Don’t wear eye makeup unless your doctor permits you to do so.

It’s always best to follow your doctor’s orders to avoid experiencing any complications after your surgery, so don’t do anything to deviate from them.

If you want to know more about cataract surgery, get in touch with our eye centre in Abbotsford.

Disclaimer: This blog post does not replace medical advice and should not be implemented prior to consulting a fully certified medical professional.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Related Posts

A close-up of a woman's eye

Refractive Lens Exchange vs Cataract Surgery: What’s the Difference?

If you have been researching ways to improve your vision, you may have come across both Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Surgery. At first glance, these two procedures can seem almost identical, and in many ways, they are. Both involve removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens to improve vision.

So what makes them different?

The main difference is why the lens is being removed.

In cataract surgery, the natural lens has become cloudy and is interfering with vision. In Refractive Lens Exchange, the natural lens is still clear, but it is no longer providing the quality of vision you want, often because of age-related reading changes, farsightedness, or a desire to reduce dependence on glasses.

driving at night

Can Cataracts Cause Night Glare, Halos, And Trouble Driving?

If headlights seem too bright, streetlights look surrounded by rings, or driving at night feels more stressful than it used to, cataracts may be part of the reason.

Many people think cataracts only cause blurry vision. In reality, they often affect quality of vision even before eyesight seems severely reduced on a chart. One of the most common early complaints is difficulty seeing clearly in low light, especially while driving at night. Glare, halos, poor contrast, and a general loss of sharpness can all make evening driving feel uncomfortable or even unsafe.

a woman getting eye surgery

Can You Have Cataract Surgery If You’ve Had Previous Vision Correction?

The short answer is yes. In many cases, you can still have cataract surgery if you have had previous vision correction such as LASIK, PRK, or other refractive procedures. The more important question is not whether cataract surgery is possible, but how carefully it is planned. Previous vision correction changes the optics of the eye, which means cataract surgery after LASIK or PRK often requires more advanced measurements, thoughtful lens selection, and a surgeon who understands how earlier procedures can affect the final result. 

If you are noticing blurred vision years after laser vision correction, you are not alone. Many patients who once enjoyed excellent distance vision later develop cataracts simply because the natural lens ages over time. A previous refractive procedure does not disqualify you from cataract surgery. It does mean your surgical plan should be individualized. At Valley Laser Eye Centre, that conversation may involve your history ofLASIK,PRK, or other correction, along with your current symptoms, lifestyle goals, and lens options such as those discussed on theCataract Surgery andRefractive Lens Exchange pages.