Healing Stages of Cataract Surgery

While cataract surgery is an extremely common and safe procedure, it does involve trauma to the eye. Therefore, there will be a period of healing. In most cases, you’ll be completely over the operation within eight weeks, during which there are distinctive healing stages.

What to Expect During Four Healing Stages of Cataract Surgery

• Healing stage 1: the first 72 hours
• Healing stage 2: the first couple of weeks
• Healing stage 3: weeks 2-6
• Healing stage 4: full recovery

Healing stage 1: the first 72 hours

Unless there are any underlying complex circumstances, your cataract operation will take place in the doctor’s office. The actual procedure only takes a few minutes—but the preparation means that you’ll be in the chair for around half an hour or so.

After the surgery has been done, you’ll have a plastic shield fitted over the eye for protection. You won’t be able to drive for around 24 hours, so will need someone to take you home.

The eye will have been numbed for the operation and the feeling should gradually return over the next few hours. Many people report improved vision straight away, but don’t worry if this isn’t the case—it might take a few days for this to return fully. During the crucial first 72 hours, it’s completely normal to have:

• A bloodshot eye
• A red eye
• Excessive watering
• Blurred and/or double vision
• A gritty feeling in the eye
• Mild discomfort

Your eye doctor will want to see you again 24-48 hours after the operation to check that the healing process is proceeding as normal. You’re encouraged to use your eye as normal straight away, including watching TV, reading, or using a computer.

If your eye is uncomfortable during the first few days, you can use over-the-counter analgesia and the drops that your surgeon will have given you. This initial healing process is when the eye tissues begin to knit together, and the eye-brain connection begins to adjust to your new, better vision.

Healing stage 2: the first couple of weeks

After the first few days, most people find that any discomfort quickly eases. The eye continues healing and you’re highly likely to begin to experience improved vision (but don’t worry if this isn’t the case—some people take the full 6-8 weeks to get the full benefits of their cataract op).

During this time you should refrain from any heavy lifting or overexertion. Yes, you can legitimately hand the household chores over to someone else without the slightest bit of guilt…

However, gentle exercise, such as walking, will help the healing process—this is a great way to actively speed up your recovery.

Healing stage 3: weeks 2-6

The eye continues to heal and the eye-brain connection returns to its full strength. During this time you should notice a dramatic improvement in your eyesight as your body discovers the joy of the free flow of light through the eye after years of clouded vision.

Healing stage 4: full recovery

By weeks 6-8, the tissues should be fully healed, and the eye-brain connection should be well advanced. If you require eyeglasses, now is the time to have an eye test and get them ordered. 

The vast majority of people will now be back to normal activities, any side effects will be gone, and you’ll be taking full advantage of seeing the world with your brand-new and improved vision…

Speed Through the Healing Stages of Cataract Surgery with an Advanced Op at the WBEC

The healing process is directly impacted by the type of cataract surgery you undergo. The most advanced on offer is known as laser cataract surgery, whereby the incisions are made by a targeted laser, rather than a blade. This is less intrusive to the surrounding tissues, meaning that the healing process is often faster.

At the West Boca Eye Center, we use the very latest technology to bring cutting-edge cataract surgery to our patients. 

Discover more at https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery/ and call today to book a confidential consultation.

While cataract surgery is an extremely common and safe procedure, it does involve trauma to the eye. Therefore, there will be a period of healing. In most cases, you’ll be completely over the operation within eight weeks, during which there are distinctive healing stages.

‍