Recovering from Cataract Surgery

April 14th, 2017

You don’t like surprises. You want to know exactly what to expect after cataract surgery so you will be prepared. While cataract surgery recovery is relatively simple, knowing what to expect will ensure that you have the best recovery possible. That way, your life will return to normal quickly.

Immediately After Cataract Surgery

The actual cataract surgery will only take around 10 minutes to perform. Once the surgery is over, you will go to a recovery area, where you will rest for a bit. Your Huntsville, Alabama cataract surgeon won’t let you leave until the sedation wears off a bit; you will likely be in recovery for about 30 minutes after the procedure is over.

Arriving Home

You will need to have someone drive you home from the surgeon’s office. Then, it is a good idea to rest for a bit. If you can, go to sleep for a few hours; you need to avoid watching TV and screen use, such as playing on your phone, for the full day following surgery. Sleep will help with the avoidance, so rest and relax for as long as you can.

Your Follow-Up Appointment

Your Decatur, Alabama eye surgeon will want to see you the next day. This appointment is important for your recovery since the eye surgeon will examine your eye to make sure that it is healing properly. Failing to make this appointment might impede your cataract surgery recovery, so make sure you go. You shouldn’t have a problem making the appointment since you will be able to drive the next day. You won’t have to worry about scheduling a ride with someone else.

Adjusting to Your New Lens

You will need to spend some time adjusting to your new lens; this isn’t as hard as it sounds. Initially, you might notice some distortions, but it won’t take long for your eyes to adjust themselves. Some patients are able to see normally within an hour or so.

Taking Eye Drops

You will need to take antibiotic eye drops both before and after your surgery. Keep them on hand after the procedure so you can use them for as long as they are prescribed to you; this will cut down on your risk of developing an infection.

Avoid Eye Strain

You will need to avoid straining your eyes after cataract surgery. Don’t bend over right after surgery, and try to avoid sneezing or vomiting. You also should avoid lifting anything heavy for the first few weeks.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers if Needed

Cataract surgery isn’t painful, but some people do experience some mild discomfort during recovery. If you do, take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate your discomfort. If you experience any pain, excessive redness, or anything else out of the ordinary, contact Dr. Lee immediately.

If you have cataracts, the only cure is surgery. Fortunately, recovering from the surgery is easy. Keep this information in mind so you will be ready to move on after your cataract surgery. Contact Dr. Lee’s office in Decatur or Huntsville for your cataract consultation and start your journey to clear vision!