Patient Information

Care After Cataract Surgery

Recovery after cataract surgery is usually straightforward, although complications can occur and individual instructions take priority. Use this guide to understand what may be expected and how to look after your eye.

This is a general guide. Always follow the specific instructions given by your surgeon.

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First 24 hoursSymptom guideEye dropsDos & Don'tsQuestions

First 24 hours — what matters most

These are the key points for the day of surgery and the following morning.

Do not drive

Go home accompanied and rest. Your vision may fluctuate and the eye may feel gritty or watery.

Protect the eye

Use the shield as instructed, especially at night. Do not rub or press the operated eye.

Start drops as prescribed

Follow your personalised schedule. Separate different drops by at least 5 minutes.

24-hour reviewRequired

Attend the next-day review or the appointment arranged by your surgical centre. It confirms that pressure, wound and early recovery are on track.

Symptom Guide

What is normal and when you must seek urgent care.

Normal — no action needed

  • Mild discomfort or gritty sensation
  • Watery or teary eye
  • Slightly blurry vision improving day by day
  • Sensitivity to light

Keep an eye on it

  • Mild redness around the eye
  • Halos or glare around lights at night
  • Stable floaters you already had before

Urgent — seek medical attention

  • Sudden significant drop in vision
  • Intense or worsening eye pain
  • New flashes of light or a sudden cloud of floaters
  • Thick or yellowish discharge
  • Eyelid swelling that does not improve

Eye drop schedule

You will receive a personalised schedule with antibiotic, steroid and anti-inflammatory drops. Always wash your hands before applying any drop.

MedicationFrequencyDurationNotes
Antibiotic / Steroid / Anti-inflammatoryAs per chart4–6 weeks (tapering)Shake well before use
Artificial TearsAs neededMonthsWait 5 min between different drops

Follow the schedule

Apply each drop exactly as instructed. Do not skip doses or change the schedule on your own.

How to apply drops

Wash hands first. Pull down the lower lid and place the drop in the pocket — do not touch the eye with the bottle tip.

Eye shield at night

Wear the protective shield while sleeping for the period recommended. It prevents accidental rubbing.

Sunglasses outdoors

Protect against light sensitivity and wind, and act as a physical barrier in the early days.

✅ Do

  • Wear the eye shield when sleeping
  • Wear sunglasses whenever you go outside
  • Apply drops with clean hands
  • Rest and take it easy the first few days
  • Attend all follow-up appointments

🚫 Do NOT

  • Rub or press the operated eye
  • Lift heavy objects or bend down suddenly
  • Let water or soap get directly in the eye
  • Wear eye makeup (until cleared)
  • Go swimming, use hot tubs or saunas

Frequently asked questions

Most patients notice a significant improvement within 48 hours. Vision continues to stabilise gradually over the following weeks. Your surgeon will check progress at each follow-up.

It is best to avoid it for the first few days. The protective eye shield helps prevent accidental pressure while you sleep.

Yes — mild halos are common early on, especially at night, and usually fade as the eye heals. If they persist or worsen, mention it at your next visit.

A brief gentle touch is unlikely to cause harm. The key thing is not to rub. If you notice pain, redness, or vision changes, contact us.

Yes — this is very common after cataract surgery. These floating shapes (myodesopsia or "floaters") are tiny particles in the vitreous gel of the eye that cast shadows on the retina. They were often already there before surgery; you simply notice them more now that your vision has improved. You may also see brief flashes or edge reflections from the new lens, especially in bright light or at night. These are usually harmless and most patients adapt over time. However, if a sudden large number of new floaters appear together with flashes or a dark curtain across part of your vision, seek urgent attention immediately.
Editorial transparency

Authorship, medical review and sources

Author and medical reviewer
Dr. Francisco Javier Abellán Martínez
Ophthalmologist · Medical registration no. 282880215
The same specialist currently authors and medically reviews the content; this is not presented as an independent external review.
Last medically reviewed
Sources consulted (6)

General educational content. It does not replace an individual assessment, diagnosis or personalised instructions from your healthcare team.

How these guides are written and reviewed

Need to check the information again?

Use this page as an educational support during recovery. For urgent symptoms or scheduled follow-up, use the channel indicated by your surgical centre. For general questions or a voluntary private assessment, you can contact me.

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