Cataract surgery recovery time is usually very short. Cataract surgery is a relatively quick operation, usually preformed under light anesthesia. The removal of a cataract usually takes less than 20 min and patients return home the same day. Patients are reminded to have someone accompany them on the day of surgery because vision is impaired after cataract surgery and driving is restricted.

Cataract Surgery Recovery - After Surgery

(Always follow your cataract surgeon's recommendations; this site is not to be considered medical advice)

After cataract surgery, you will leave with a shield covering the operated eye. Doctors usually recommend that this shield be worn for 24 hours following cataract surgery. It is also often instructed that the operated eye not get wet for at least 24 hours following surgery.

It is often recommended that during the cataract surgery recovery time, patients not do anything strenuous. While the recovery time is short, care should still be taken during this time. Patients are encouraged to always ask their cataract surgeon before attempting any physical activity during the cataract surgery recovery time.

The day after cataract surgery, you will be instructed to return for a 1-day post op visit with your surgeon. This is to check the status of the eye and make sure everything is healing, as it should be. After the surgery, it is also often recommended that the patient not bend at the waste and that they do not lift anything heaver than 10lbs for at least 24 hours. For the two weeks following surgery, swimming and heavy lifting are also prohibited. Always follow your surgeon’s recommendations, but we hope this general guide will help prepare you for your visit with a licensed medical care provider.