The First Day After Cataract Surgery
Right after surgery, your eye has just had a delicate, high-precision procedure. It is normal to feel a bit tired and to want to rest. Plan to go straight home, relax, and sleep for much of the day.
Common normal symptoms
Many patients notice:
- Watery eye(s), tearing, and sometimes a runny nose.
- Light sensitivity and glare.
- Mild redness and swelling of the eye.
- Foreign body sensation, as if there is an eyelash or grain of sand in the eye.
- Vision that is foggy or “like seeing under water.”
These symptoms usually improve over the first few days. Resting with your eyes closed often makes them more comfortable.
Showering and hygiene
You may shower or bathe after surgery, but avoid getting water, soap, or shampoo directly into the operated eye for the first 5 days.
Pain control
Most patients have little to no significant pain. If you feel discomfort, you may take over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil, or another non-aspirin analgesic, unless your other doctors have stated otherwise.
Eye Drop Schedule After Cataract Surgery
At the end of your procedure, antibiotic and steroid drops are placed in your eye. Once you return home, you will continue a specific drop schedule. Always wash your hands before putting drops in, and avoid letting the bottle tip touch your eye or lashes.
| Medication | Purpose | Typical Schedule* |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic (e.g., Moxifloxacin) | Reduces risk of infection | 1 drop 4×/day for 7 days after surgery. |
| Steroid (e.g., Prednisolone / Pred Forte) | Controls inflammation | 1 drop 4×/day for 7 days, then 3×/day for 7 days, then 2×/day for 7 days, then 1×/day until finished. |
| NSAID (e.g., Ketorolac) | Helps with inflammation and macular swelling | 1 drop 4×/day for 7 days, then 3×/day for 7 days, then 2×/day for 7 days, then 1×/day until finished. |
| Combination drop (if prescribed) | Combined antibiotic + anti-inflammatory | Continue 1 drop 4×/day for 7 days, then 3×/day for 7 days, then 2×/day for 7 days, then 1×/day until finished. |
*Your exact schedule may vary based on your eye and the medications prescribed. Always follow the instructions printed on your drop sheet or given by your surgeon.*
Drop tips
- Wait at least 5 minutes between different drops so the previous one is absorbed properly.
- Do not stop any drop early without checking with your doctor.
- If you miss a dose, put it in as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.
Activities After Cataract Surgery: What You Can and Cannot Do
Things you can do
- Rest and nap with your eyes closed.
- Watch a little TV or use your phone for short periods as comfort allows.
- Walk around your home carefully.
- Shower or bathe, keeping water out of the operated eye.
- Resume light household tasks once you feel steady.
Things you should avoid
- Rubbing or touching the operated eye.
- Pressing or dabbing the eye if it waters; let tears run to the cheek, then gently blot.
- All water activities (swimming, hot tubs, scuba diving) for at least 3 weeks.
- Direct intense sunlight and sunbathing, especially in the first few weeks.
- Heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until cleared by your surgeon.
Eye shield and sunglasses
- Wear the eye shield taped down at bedtime for 3 nights after surgery to prevent accidental rubbing.
- If your eyes feel stuck shut after sleep, do not force them open. Apply a warm compress for a few minutes and gently try again. If still difficult, wait for your doctor to open the eye.
- Wear sunglasses whenever you are outdoors for at least 3 months after surgery to protect from UV light and glare.
When to Call the Doctor After Cataract Surgery
Call us immediately if you notice:
- Sudden decrease in vision or a dark curtain in your vision.
- Severe pain not relieved by Tylenol or Advil.
- Increasing redness or thick discharge from the eye.
- Flashes of light or a new shower of floaters.
- Nausea, vomiting, or a severe headache with eye pain.
For questions or concerns about your recovery, you can reach us at:
- Specialty Surgery Center: (310) 275-2339
- Khanna Vision Institute: (805) 230-2126
- Counselor: (818) 857-1735
Never hesitate to call if you are worried about a symptom. It is always better to check early than to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recovery After Cataract Surgery
How soon will my vision clear?
Many patients notice improvement within 24–48 hours, but it can take several days or weeks for vision to fully stabilize. Your clarity often depends on how severe the cataract was beforehand and whether you have other eye conditions.
Can I sleep on the side of my operated eye?
With the shield taped in place, it is usually safe to sleep on either side. If you are anxious about pressure on the eye, try to sleep on the opposite side or on your back for the first few nights.
When can I drive again?
You may drive once your vision meets legal driving standards and you feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. This often happens within a few days, but always follow your surgeon’s specific advice.
When will I get my new glasses prescription?
If you need glasses after surgery, a new prescription is usually finalized around 3–4 weeks after the procedure, once your eye has healed and stabilized.