What to Expect After Cataract Surgery

Last updated 7 months ago

If you feel that you are limited in your daily functions due to the progression of your cataracts, you may find significant relief with surgery. Today, cataract surgery is a safe and fast procedure with a short recovery time. Here’s what you can expect following cataract surgery:

Immediate Side Effects

Cataract surgery is far less traumatic today than it was in the past. Before the advent of new lasers and ophthalmological techniques, patients could expect a lengthy hospital stay for their cataract treatment. Today, patients can expect to spend as little as 30 minutes undergoing an outpatient procedure, during which time the clouded lens is removed and a new artificial lens is implanted. The procedure itself is painless. Once your surgery is complete, you may experience some grogginess due to the anesthetic. It is normal to see halos and feel sensitivity in your eye, but these side effects should wear off in a matter of days.

Follow-Up Care

Immediately after your cataract removal procedure, your surgeon will place antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops into your eye. This not only protects your eye from possible infection, but also reduces swelling. You will receive an eye patch to wear for a few days to help keep you from touching your eye and to protect your eye from irritants. While you should be able to resume many of your normal activities right away, it is important that you avoid lifting heavy objects and engaging in intense exercise until you have reached a full recovery.

Long Term Results

It can take two to four months for your eye to fully adjust to the new intraocular lens, after which point you will be able to enjoy optimal vision. While you may experience minor visual side effects, such as glares and halos, these disturbances should subside as your body adapts to your new lens. It is essential for you to continue to visit your eye care professional for regular exams to ensure that your eyes remain healthy.

The Maloney Vision Institute specializes in a wide range of vision correction treatments. Whether you’re interested in LASIK eye surgery or cataract surgery, we can help, so schedule a consultation at our Los Angeles office today. You can contact us at (310) 889-0732.