What you should and shouldn't do after cataract surgery

You should be able to see an improvement with your vision almost immediately after surgery, although it can take 1-2 months in total for your vision to settle. It is not unusual for the eye to be slightly inflamed, itchy, red for several days after surgery.

After surgery, you should arrange for someone to collect you and take you home as you will not be allowed to drive yourself. Your surgeon will advise you when you can start driving again. You should also arrange for someone to take care of you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

You will have a protective pad or shield over your eye which you should keep on for the first 24 hours. Always avoid rubbing your eyes, or squeezing the eyelids together tightly.

You will also be prescribed steroid eye drops to help reduce inflammation, and antibiotic eye drops to reduce the risk of infections. Before applying any drops, wash your hands thoroughly.

If you experience moderate pain or discomfort, taking painkillers, like paracetamol, should help ease the pain. If your eye becomes very painful, redder, and your sight worsens, please do not hesitate to contact me immediately (see details at the end of this document). Grittiness is a sign of superficial dryness and is generally not a concerning symptoms and it would typically improve day by day after surgery. If you experience more of an eye in the eye, if this is moderately severe you should get in touch.

Again, do not rub or squeeze your eyelids tight as this can potentially cause infection.

If you have visual problems with the eye that was not operated on, you may need some assistance for longer than 24 hours.

Other advice for recovering from cataract surgery suggests that you should:

• avoid strenuous exercise as it may increase eye pressure,

• avoid getting soap or shampoo in your eye,

• avoid lifting anything heavy, and

• wear sunglasses if it is sunny as your eyes may be extra sensitive to bright light, or if it is windy to avoid any debris getting in the eye.