There are some common symptoms following surgery, such as blurred vision, a scratchy feeling in your eye, your eye watering a little, a dull ache over your eyes and sensitivity to bright light – these are all normal and shouldn’t last more than a couple of days. If you experience any aches or pain after surgery we suggest you take painkillers, such as paracetamol, using the recommended dosage. You should avoid aspirin, unless this has been prescribed for you. You can wear sunglasses the day after surgery for light sensitivity. Make sure these are cleaned well before you put them on.
The most important thing following surgery is to protect the eye from infection, so it’s important not to rub or touch your eye.
If given an eye shield, you should keep it on, as recommended by your surgeon/nurse – it’s designed for you to be able to sleep with it on. You’ll need to begin using your eye drops on the day after your surgery.
If your eye is sticky the day after surgery, then you can bathe your eye with some sterile swabs. You should boil some water to sterilise it, allow this to cool and then bathe the eye with a swab and water. Make sure you wash your hands before and after bathing your eye. Soak the swab in the cooled water and wipe once across your eye while it is closed. Repeat with a new swab if needed.
Patients may be invited to a post-op appointment. Post-operative care pathways vary depending on where you live. If a post-operative assessment is required, this will take place either at SpaMedica, with your local optician or over the phone. All of our patients still receive clear guidance, appropriate follow-up, and access to clinical support whenever needed.
Yes – you can sleep on your side after cataract surgery, but recommend avoiding sleeping on the side of the operated eye for the first week
It is normal to have blurred vision after cataract surgery. The first few days are usually blurry and within a week your vision should start to get better, although in some patients it can take longer. It is important to call if you have severe pain, sudden vision loss, or redness that’s getting worse.
Recovery from cataract surgery can take up to 4 weeks. The procedure itself is quick (around 15 minutes) however you may be at the site for 2-3 hours on the day. It is normal to experience blurred vision, watery, gritty or red eyes in the first few days. Most people experience clearer vision within 2 weeks but complete recovery can take several weeks.
There is no definitive evidence that Viagra or other erectile dysfunction medications negatively affect cataract surgery recovery, but it is generally recommended to avoid them for 4–6 weeks after surgery to allow your eye to fully heal. Viagra relaxes blood vessels and can affect blood flow in the retina, which could potentially impact the position of your intraocular lens (IOL). While complications are unlikely, it is important to consult your surgeon or optician before resuming these medications, especially if you have other health conditions. Following their guidance helps ensure a safe and smooth recovery.
Contact lens use can continue after cataract surgery if required, but usually the prescription will be different compared to before surgery. It is best to wait until your review with your community Optometrist, usually at 4 weeks post operatively to discuss this.
Cataract surgery does not cause long-term dry eyes, but it is common to experience temporary dryness, grittiness, or irritation as your eye heals. Artificial teardrops can help relieve discomfort, and your pharmacist can advise on the best type for you. Leave at least five minutes between using artificial drops and any prescribed post-surgery eye drops. Pre-existing dry eye conditions should be discussed with your optician or surgeon before surgery, as they may need to be managed to ensure the best outcomes.
Proper care after cataract surgery is essential for healing and preventing complications.
Some redness, itching, grittiness, or clear discharge is normal and usually improves within a week. Full healing generally takes four to six weeks, depending on individual recovery.
Yes, whenever you feel safe to do so. However, you cannot drive until you meet the legal driving requirement (reading a car registration plate at 20 metres). You may require new spectacles before you can drive again.
You can usually wash your hair and shower as normal after cataract surgery, but it’s important to keep your eyes closed and avoid getting water, shampoo, or soap in the eye. Using a mild or baby shampoo is recommended, and you should avoid rubbing your eye. Getting anything in your eye can slow healing and increase the risk of infection, so take care during bathing.
We recommend that after cataract surgery you refrain from wearing eye makeup for 1 week following surgery and applying false eye lashes or any other cosmetic or aesthetic treatment near the eye for 2 weeks.
Advice on flying after cataract surgery can vary. While the Civil Aviation Authority state that 24 hours is usually sufficient for simple cataract surgery, individual healing times differ. Our recommendation is to wait until 4 weeks after surgery before you fly.
Check your travel insurance policy before flying, as some policies may have restrictions or conditions that could affect coverage if you travel too soon after surgery.
Most patients can return to work the day after cataract surgery if their job is not physically demanding or exposed to dust, wind, or dirt. Jobs involving heavy lifting, contact sports, or control and restraint duties may require 2–4 weeks off, depending on your surgeon’s advice.
It’s important to avoid bending forward for the first week to prevent added pressure on the eye. Recovery times vary, so discuss your specific circumstances with your doctor or optician. A doctor’s note can be provided for your employer if needed.
You can cook after cataract surgery once you feel well enough. If your vision is still slightly blurry, take extra care with hot surfaces and sharp objects to avoid accidents.
After cataract surgery, it’s important to allow your eye to heal fully by avoiding strenuous activities or exercises that could increase eye pressure.
Following the advice that you’re given after your cataract surgery will help to ensure you have the best possible results from the procedure.
You can read and watch television after cataract surgery, but your vision may be slightly blurred for the first few days while your eye begins to heal.
At SpaMedica, only select patients with specific clinical needs will require an eye shield following cataract surgery. If you are provided with an eye shield it ss to be worn on the day and overnight and can be removed the morning after.
After cataract surgery, you may be prescribed eye drops as part ofyour aftercare to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and relievedryness. These are usually started the morning after surgery.Most patients use their prescribed eye drops for around four weeks,or until the course is finished.
Your hospital or clinic will normallyprovide enough drops for this period. If you run out early, your GPcan arrange a repeat prescription.Dry or gritty eyes are common after cataract surgery. The drops helpkeep the eye lubricated and comfortable while it heals. If you alreadyuse artificial tear drops for dry eyes, you can continue using them -just leave at least five minutes between different eye drops. Theorder doesn’t matter.
It is generally safe to continue using dry eye drops, such as Optrex, after cataract surgery, but you must space them out from your medicated drops. It is recommended that you leave 15 minutes between applying different types of drops to avoid washing out the benefit!
If you use other prescribed eye drops for glaucoma, you should also continue them, but again, leave at least 15 minutes between different drops.
You should contact your cataract surgery provider or optician if you experience any of the following, as you’ll need to be seen asap.
SpaMedica patients should call us on 0330 058 4280 – our support team operate 24/7 and can provide advice or arrange an emergency appointment at a local SpaMedica hospital.