When can I wash my hair after cataract surgery?
You can shower the day after surgery but should avoid getting soap, shampoo, or water directly into the operated eye for at least a week. When washing hair, tilting the head back rather than forward and keeping the eye closed reduces the risk of contamination. Swimming pools and hot tubs should be avoided for at least four weeks post-surgery.
Is it normal for vision to be blurry after cataract surgery?
Some degree of visual blurring and fluctuation is entirely normal in the first few days and weeks following cataract surgery as the eye adjusts to the new intraocular lens and the inflammation settles. Vision typically improves progressively and should stabilise within six to eight weeks, at which point any residual refractive error can be corrected with glasses if needed.
What activities should I avoid during cataract surgery recovery?
In the first two weeks after surgery, avoid swimming, heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, dusty or dirty environments, and any activity that risks a blow to the eye. Reading, watching television, and light walking are generally permitted from the day after surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific activity guidance based on your procedure and healing progress.
When should I see my doctor after cataract surgery?
A post-operative appointment is usually scheduled within 24 to 48 hours of surgery to check the intraocular pressure, confirm the lens position, and assess healing. Further appointments typically follow at one week and six weeks post-surgery. You should contact your eye unit immediately if you experience sudden vision loss, severe pain, or increasing redness during recovery.
Can I use a computer after cataract surgery?
Most patients can use a computer from the day after surgery, though the eyes may tire more quickly than usual in the first week or two. Taking regular breaks, using artificial tears if the eyes feel dry, and ensuring good screen lighting reduces strain during the recovery period. There is no medical reason to avoid screen use unless your surgeon advises otherwise.
How long does it take to adjust to a new intraocular lens after cataract surgery?
Most patients adapt to their new intraocular lens within a few days to a few weeks. Multifocal and extended depth-of-focus lenses may take slightly longer to adapt to than monofocal lenses, as the visual system adjusts to interpreting the different focal points. Full neuroadaptation typically occurs within three to six months in most patients.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
The need for glasses after cataract surgery depends on the type of intraocular lens implanted and any residual refractive error. Monofocal lenses provide clear distance or near vision but typically still require reading glasses. Multifocal or trifocal lenses aim to reduce spectacle dependence at multiple distances, though some patients may still require glasses for fine detail work.
What is posterior capsule opacification and can it occur after cataract surgery?
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), sometimes called ‘secondary cataract,’ occurs in some patients months or years after cataract surgery when the back of the lens capsule becomes cloudy. It can cause a return of blurred vision similar to the original cataract. It is treated quickly and painlessly with a laser procedure (YAG laser capsulotomy) performed in an outpatient setting.
Is there pain during cataract surgery recovery?
Cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and most patients experience little or no pain during the procedure. In the hours following surgery, mild discomfort, grittiness, and light sensitivity are common. Significant pain is unusual and should be reported to your surgical team immediately, as it may indicate elevated intraocular pressure or another complication.
Can cataract surgery cause dry eye?
Dry eye symptoms are common following cataract surgery and can persist for several weeks or months. The corneal incisions temporarily disrupt the corneal nerve supply, reducing tear secretion and increasing evaporation. Regular use of preservative-free lubricating eye drops throughout the recovery period helps manage dryness and supports corneal healing.