Cataract Aftercare
what happens after the operation

After the operation a pad will be placed over the eye. You will be sent home wearing the pad, but may remove it the following day.

Unless instructed, continue with any other eye drops that you normally take (e.g. for glaucoma).

You will be given an appointment for a check up 1-2 weeks after the operation.

The Next Day

It is common for the eye to feel sticky the day after the cataract operation. For 1-2 weeks after the operation, you may also feel a 'gritty' sensation and the eye may also appear rather bloodshot. These symptoms are all normal.

Vision will be much clearer within a couple of days and colours are usually brighter. Some patients take a little longer before their vision improves.

Post cataract operation care instructions

• Take it easy for a few days.
• Next day remove the pad & do not replace it.
• Do not rub the eye
• Avoid exercise for 1 week, avoid swimming for 2 weeks
• Avoid getting anything in the eye for 1 week ie soap, make up etc
• You may drive if you can read a standard number plate with both eyes open at 25 yards or 21.5 metres

2-6 weeks after the operation

You will normally be seen 1-2 weeks after the operation by your surgeon, who will examine your eye.

If all has gone to schedule at the 2 week stage, you will be advised to see an optician 4 to 6 weeks after the operation. In the interim period you may wish to go without spectacles or wear your old spectacles. Some people remove the lens from their old specs on the side of the eye that has had the operation. You will not damage your eyesight, either way.

Can cataracts come back?

No. However the membrane supporting the replacement lens, may thicken, which will temporarily affect clarity of vision. This is usually noticed by an optician and can be dealt with in outpatients by a simple 5 minute laser procedure.

If you would like to talk with us about our treatments or have any questions about our procedures, please call us on 01483 576 576 or email info@surreyeyesurgeons.com. We are based in Guildford, Surrey and have a team of highly qualified eye surgeons.