Cataract Surgery Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for cataract surgery: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Eye Drop Schedule
- •Set alarms for eye drop times
- •Complete the full course even if eyes feel fine
- •Store drops as directed (some need refrigeration)
Protecting Your Eyes
- •Wear eye shield while sleeping for 1-2 weeks
- •Sunglasses during the day for light sensitivity
- •Do not rub your eyes for at least 4 weeks
Cataract Surgery recovery, day by day
Eye Protection
- Wear the protective eye shield as directed (especially while sleeping)
- Do NOT rub or press on your eye
- Your vision may be blurry initially; this is expected
- Rest your eyes; avoid screens for the remainder of the day
Eye Drops
- Start prescribed eye drops as directed (usually antibiotic + anti-inflammatory)
- Wait 5 minutes between different eye drops
- Do NOT touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface
- Wash hands thoroughly before applying drops
Activity Restrictions
- No bending over at the waist (bend at the knees instead)
- No heavy lifting (>10 lbs) or straining
- No swimming, hot tubs, or getting water directly in the eye
- Wear sunglasses outdoors (eyes are light-sensitive)
What to Expect
- Colors may seem brighter; your brain is adjusting to the new lens
- Continue all eye drops on schedule
- Do NOT wear eye makeup for 1-2 weeks
- Avoid dusty or smoky environments
Continued Recovery
- Vision improvement is usually noticeable within days
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Resume normal activities gradually as cleared
- New glasses prescription (if needed) is typically done at 4-6 weeks
When to call your provider or 911
- •Sudden loss of vision or dramatic decrease in vision
- •Sudden increase in floaters or flashing lights
- •Severe eye pain not relieved by prescribed drops or medication
- •Increasing redness (not improving)
- •Pus or thick discharge from the eye
- •Halos around lights that worsen
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 1
First post-op check
Surgeon evaluates initial healing
- Day 7
Activity restrictions ease
Gradually resume light activities
- Day 30
Follow-up evaluation
Detailed exam to assess healing progress
- Day 30
Expected recovery
Complete healing confirmed
For clinics
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