If you’re preparing for cataract surgery or have recently had the procedure, you’re likely wondering what cataract surgery recovery looks like.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cataract surgery recovery, including what to expect during the first few weeks, how to care for your eyes, and when it’s okay to return to your usual activities.
Whether you’re looking to treat cataracts or support a family member through their recovery, this guide can help you feel more confident and informed every step of the way.
What To Expect During Cataract Surgery Recovery
Cataract surgery recovery is usually smooth and gradual. While each person heals at their own pace, understanding the general timeline can help you feel more confident and prepared. Here’s what you may notice, from the first few hours through to the first few weeks and beyond.
The First Few Hours To The First 48 Hours
Some people also notice halos around lights or a reddish tint to their vision. These effects typically fade within a few days. It’s important to avoid rubbing your eye and to rest as much as possible.
Your doctor will likely recommend that a family member or friend take you home, as you won’t be able to drive.
Week 1: Gradual Improvement
Over the first week, your vision should start to become clearer. Colours may appear brighter, and details sharper, especially once the cloudy natural lens has been replaced with the clear artificial lens. While some glare from bright lights may linger, many people feel comfortable resuming light activities within a few days.
Weeks 2–3: A Noticeable Shift
By now, you may feel more confident in your vision. Many people start enjoying hobbies like reading again.
Your eye is still healing beneath the surface, so don’t rush the process.
Week 4 And Beyond: Nearing Normal
By the fourth week, most patients return to their normal activities. Your eye may still undergo subtle changes during this time, but discomfort should be minimal.
Although many people feel a significant improvement within a few days, complete recovery can take several weeks. Vision continues to refine as your eye adapts to the new lens implant.
How To Care For Your Eye After Cataract Surgery
Supporting your healing after cataract surgery begins with thoughtful, consistent care. While the procedure itself is quick and often completed as a day surgery, how you care for your eyes in the days and weeks that follow plays a major role in your recovery and overall visual outcome.
Here’s what you can do to protect your eyes and encourage a smooth healing process:
Use Your Prescribed Eye Drops As Directed
Your prescribed eye drops aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. These typically include anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops, which help to:
- Prevent infection
- Reduce swelling
- Control eye pressure
- Promote proper healing
It’s important to follow the schedule provided by your eye surgeon, even if your eye feels fine. Most people continue using eye drops for several weeks after surgery.
Tip: Set reminders or use a chart to keep track of your doses, especially during the first few weeks when multiple drops may be required.
Wear Your Protective Eye Shield When Needed
To protect your healing eye from accidental bumps or rubbing, you may be advised to wear a protective eye shield or patch, especially while sleeping or resting. It’s a simple step that helps guard against unintentional contact while you sleep.
If you’ve been given a clear eye shield, you may also be asked to wear it for a short period during the day, especially in windy or dusty environments.
Give Your Eye Time To Heal
In the days after surgery, your eye is working hard behind the scenes. To help support this natural healing process, it’s best to avoid activities that can place pressure on the eye or introduce irritants. This may include:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Bending over or straining
- Vigorous exercise or stretching
- Dusty, windy, or dirty environments
- Swimming pools and hot tubs
Even something as routine as gardening or house cleaning may need to wait a little while. Your ophthalmologist will give you personalised advice based on your procedure and progress.
When Can You Wear Eye Makeup Again?
It’s best to avoid eye makeup for at least a week following your procedure, and longer if advised by your eye surgeon. Mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can introduce bacteria or microscopic particles to the eye, increasing the risk of irritation or infection.
If you’re eager to get back to your usual beauty routine, check with your surgeon during your follow-up visit to see when it’s okay to resume wearing makeup.
Protecting Your Eye Health Long-Term
Cataract surgery may be a one-time procedure, but keeping your eyes healthy is an ongoing journey. Supporting your vision after surgery, and for years to come, involves a mix of regular check-ups, healthy habits, and thoughtful lifestyle choices.
Here’s how you can help safeguard your eye health long after your recovery.
Prioritise Regular Follow-Up Visits
- Check your eye pressure
- Assess for signs of infection or inflammation
- Monitor the progress of your healing process
- Address any new or existing eye conditions
Staying consistent with your scheduled visits gives your eye care team the best chance to detect and manage any concerns early.
Adopt Daily Habits That Support Vision Health
Taking care of your vision doesn’t stop once your eye heals. Small choices you make each day can have a lasting impact on your overall eye health, whether you’ve had cataract surgery or not. Consider the following habits:
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes from UV rays
- Manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or diabetic retinopathy
- Eat a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, colourful vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Use any prescribed eye drops exactly as directed to maintain eye hydration and reduce the risk of inflammation
Looking after your eyes now helps reduce the risk of future vision problems and supports your ability to continue enjoying the activities you love most.
Potential Side Effects To Monitor
While most people experience a smooth recovery after cataract surgery, it’s natural to notice a few temporary changes in vision or eye sensation during the early stages of healing.
Here are some common side effects you might notice and why they’re usually nothing to worry about:
- Mild Discomfort: A slight gritty or dry sensation is normal and often settles with rest and prescribed eye drops.
- Light Sensitivity: You may find bright lights slightly uncomfortable for a few days as your eye adjusts.
- Blurry Vision: Your sight may be a little hazy at first, but it should gradually become clearer as your eye heals.
- Redness: Some redness around the white of the eye is common and usually fades as inflammation reduces.
These symptoms typically improve within the first few weeks and are simply part of the natural healing process. However, it’s always a good idea to let your eye care team know if anything feels unusual or if your symptoms persist longer than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is cataract surgery recommended?
Your eye surgeon may recommend cataract surgery when the cloudy natural lens significantly affects your vision and quality of life. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure designed to restore clear vision by replacing the affected lens with a clear artificial lens.
Will I need new glasses?
In many cases, yes. While the intraocular lens provides clearer vision, you may still need new glasses for specific tasks. Your eye doctor will guide you during your follow-up visits.
Can cataracts return after surgery?
No, cataracts themselves don’t return. However, some people develop posterior capsule opacification, a common condition in which the membrane holding the lens becomes cloudy. Your ophthalmologist can easily treat this.
Conclusion
Following your eye surgeon’s instructions, using prescribed eye drops, and caring for your eyes during the healing process gives you the best chance for successful results.
If you’re considering cataract surgery or supporting someone through their recovery, remember that you’re not alone. The path to clearer vision may begin with a tiny incision, but it leads to brighter days ahead.
Feeling ready to take the next step? Reach out to Dr Edward Roufail at (03) 9071 0180 to discuss whether cataract surgery is right for you, and what to expect on the other side. With the right guidance and care, you can look forward to seeing life more clearly again.
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
References
Lipner M. Pseudophakia to Treat Cataracts [Internet]. Verywell Health. 2025 [cited 2025 Jul 25]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/pseudophakia-5116181
Herndon J. What to Expect During Cataract Surgery Recovery [Internet]. Healthline. 2021 [cited 2025 Jul 25]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/cataract-surgery-recovery
Sissons B. What to Do and What to Avoid After Cataract Surgery [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2025 [cited 2025 Jul 25]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/do-and-don-t-after-cataract-surgery
8 Things You Can Do Right Now to Protect Your Vision [Internet]. National Eye Institute. 2024 [cited 2025 Jul 25]. Available from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/8-things-you-can-do-right-now-protect-your-vision
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