Recovery after cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is a procedure with quick recovery. Many patients already see clearly better the next day. Below you'll find everything you need to know about the hours, days and weeks after the operation.
Immediately after surgery
Right after the operation you are still dazzled by the microscope light and often see many colours. This is completely normal. A shield is placed over the eye; keep it on until the following morning and wear it for one more week during sleep.
Vision often recovers quickly, but it is normal that it remains a little blurry the first days. It gradually becomes sharper and clearer.
When both eyes are operated on, the procedures are not on the same day — usually 1–2 weeks apart.
Your recovery timeline
- Step 1First hours after surgery
You are still dazzled by the microscope light and often see many colours. A protective shield is placed over the eye and stays on until the next morning.
- Step 2Day 1
Check-up at the practice or at AZ Zeno. Vision often recovers quickly but can remain a little blurry the first days. You start the drop schedule.
- Step 3First week
Sleep with the eye shield to avoid unconscious rubbing. You may resume daily activities but no heavy lifting (1–2 weeks).
- Step 4First 4 weeks
You apply the drops several times per day according to the schedule given before surgery. Vision gradually becomes sharper and more stable.
- Step 51 month
Final check. If needed, an updated glasses prescription (reading or distance).
The drop schedule
Before surgery you'll receive a detailed schedule with:
- A corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drop and an antibiotic to prevent infection
- An additional NSAID drop as anti-inflammatory
The drops are used for several weeks and tapered according to the schedule. Leave at least 5 minutes between different drops.
What's allowed, what isn't (yet)?
Allowed
- Walking, reading, watching TV
- Light housework
- Showering (no water directly in the eye)
- Returning to work after a few days, depending on the job
Avoid
- Heavy lifting (1–2 weeks)
- Rubbing the eye
- Swimming and sauna (2 weeks)
- Eye make-up (1 week)
- Driving on the day of surgery
When to call immediately?
Contact the practice or an emergency department the same day if:
- Sudden decrease in vision or a dark shadow
- Severe, increasing eye pain not responding to paracetamol
- A strongly red eye with purulent discharge
- Flashes or a sudden "rain" of black spots
Serious complications are rare (less than 5%), but acting quickly is always important.