An exam comes first
We check the cataract and the rest of the eye, measure lens power and choose a lens with you. See tests and diagnosis and the IOL guide.
Before and after
cataract surgery
Back to daily life quickly, eye still protected
Most daily activities are possible from the day after cataract surgery, but the eye still needs protecting for several weeks.
This guide covers what happens before surgery and what to do afterwards, from the eye shield to alcohol. Your own instructions may differ, so ask the nurse or surgeon whenever you are unsure.
Before
Before surgery
Infection control in the operating room
Staff disinfect their hands thoroughly, supplies are sterilized, and the operating room’s temperature and humidity are controlled around the clock.
Bring your questions
Care instructions can change with the condition of your eye after surgery, so raise anything you are unsure of with the nurse or surgeon.
Recovery
What recovery feels like
On the day
Irritation, watering and mild pain are normal on the day of surgery.
The weeks after
Recovery speed varies with your eyes, and the two eyes may see differently for a while.
Around one month
Reading or driving glasses may be prescribed if you need them.
Timeline
Aftercare at a glance
| Topic | What to do |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Rest with your eyes closed as much as you can. Never touch or rub them. |
| Eye shield | Keep it on until the next-day check-up, then wear it while sleeping for about 2 weeks. |
| Eye drops | Use for about 1 month to aid recovery and prevent infection. |
| Washing | For 2 weeks, keep water out of your eyes when washing face or hair. Saunas, public baths and steam rooms after 1 month. |
| Exercise | Light exercise after 1 week; strenuous exercise after 1 month. |
| Alcohol | None for 1 month; avoid heavy drinking for 2 months. |
| Smoking | Stop for at least 1 week. |
| For life | Never press hard on or rub the operated eye, and avoid injury to it. |
Later On
If vision clouds again
Months or years after surgery, a cloudy membrane can form behind the lens. It is treated with a short laser procedure; see secondary cataract treatment.
To plan your surgery, contact us. Fees are on the pricing page.
FAQ
Recovery questions
When can I get back to daily activities?
From the day after surgery, though recovery varies with your eyes. Your two eyes may see differently for a while.
How long do I use the shield and the drops?
The shield stays on until the next-day check-up, then is worn while sleeping for about 2 weeks. Drops are used for about 1 month.
When can I exercise, drink or use a sauna?
Light exercise after 1 week, strenuous exercise after 1 month. No alcohol for 1 month. Saunas, public baths and steam rooms after 1 month.
Will I need glasses afterwards?
Around 1 month after surgery, reading or driving glasses may be prescribed if you need them.
