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After Cataract Surgery

Your cataract surgery has utilized the most up-to-date techniques and materials.  The intraocular lens (IOL) placed inside your eye represents one of today’s most modern technological advances. We are confident that your surgery will be successful and you can enjoy better, much improved vision.  Please keep in mind that even if your result is ideal it can never perfectly substitute for the way your vision was before the cataract developed. 

Your first follow-up office visit will probably be on the day following the surgery.  Any questions you have will be answered then.  If you’re especially concerned about anything before then, simply call the office. 

After cataract surgery, it is normal to have mild itching, scratchiness, lid sticking, and a little mucous discharge, but there should be very little pain.  Any mild discomfort can usually be controlled by two acetaminophen (Anacin or Tylenol) tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take any aspirin.  If you’re having an unusual amount of pain or are experiencing loss of vision, or other symptoms that worry you, call the office right away at any time.  It is not normal to have even moderate pain after the first day or two. 

Your operated eye is fragile right now.  The incision is being held together by only a few (if any) fine stitches, so the wounds can be torn open if you’re not careful.  Do not rub your eye or press hard on it.  Stay away from crowds.  Babies and small children should also be avoided, since an unexpected movement could accidentally bump your eye.  For the first month, always wear your metal eye shield for protection when sleeping.  You will be given specific instructions as to what activities are safe.  In about six weeks the healing will be firm.  Some reports indicate that taking vitamin C tablets, 500mg daily for several weeks, will help you heal more rapidly.  Vitamin C is available over-the-counter without a prescription. 

As you recuperate, you will be impressed by the brilliance of colors.  You may also find that colors now have a bluish cast, but you will adapt quickly to this color change.  Some patients notice that after being in bright sunlight everything looks reddish for several hours, and others are bothered by too much glare when they are in the sun.  The symptoms occur because the natural lens is no longer present in your eye to filter out some of the light. 

You may begin wearing a temporary pair of reading glasses shortly after surgery.  Your final glasses; however, will not be prescribed until at least a month later.

Whenever you are outdoors in daylight, you can make your eyes more comfortable by wearing sunglasses.  They should be medium density and filter out ultraviolet light.  In fact, it would be a good idea to make sunglasses a lifetime habit.