Cataract Surgery After Care

Please read this carefully

Guidance is provided on how to take care of yourself following your procedure. Common questions are also answered.

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General advice

Take a nap

We suggest you try and get some sleep for FOUR hours after the procedure. Having surgery can be quite stressful and best to get some rest afterwards. We also find patients who rest do recover more quickly

Common symptoms

  • Mild irritation or scratchiness from the incision
  • Halos initially around lights which disappear in time

Do’s & Don’ts

Do:
Drops

Take your drops regularly

Don't:
Rub

Don't rub your eyes

Water

Allow water to enter your operated eye for 48 hours

Eye drops

  • Keep the eye drops within the Centre for Sight toiletry bag provided.
  • Discard the eye drops after 1 month.
  • Administer the drops as instructed on the table below.

How to use your eye drops

  • Wash your hands before and after you apply your drops
  • Sit or lie down comfortably with your head tilted backwards looking at the ceiling.
  • Gently pull down the lower lid with one finger to form a sac.
  • Holding the eye drops in your other hand, bring the dropper close to the eye and squeeze one drop into the sac.
  • Close the eye for 5 minutes and blot excess solution with a clean tissue.
    Replace the dropper cap immediately after use.

Do not put all drops in at once. Use one drop at a time and close your eyes for 5 minutes by the clock before applying the next drop.

For all drops except artificial tears, you must close your eyes for 5 minutes. This is the only way drops are going to be reliably absorbed into the eye.

Centre for Sight drops for aftercare

Medication

Chloramphenicol *Keep refrigerated (Drop packaging may vary) Breakfast Lunch Dinner Bedtime
Week 1
Stop after one week
Acular Breakfast Lunch Dinner Bedtime
Week 1
Until bottle runs out
Maxidex Breakfast Lunch Dinner Bedtime
Week1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4

Follow-up process

Follow-up

You will have been given a follow-up appointment before leaving. If you are not being seen the next day, a member of staff from Centre for Sight will contact you the following day to find out about your progress.

Sticky lashes

If your eyelashes become sticky or have accumulated material, you may clean them by using a cotton bud soaked in warm boiled water. Close one eye and gently and repetitively wipe the lashes with the moist cotton bud away from the eyelid.

Problems

Problems are rare, however in the event you have any of the following:

  • Redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Vision loss or reduction
  • Pain

Please contact Centre for Sight immediately on 0800 0112882

FAQs

How soon can I expect to have good vision ?

This can vary depending on how well you respond to healing. We know some patients obtain good vision within 24 hours but in others it may take a little longer.

If you have had High Performance Lenses (Trifocal, Polyfocal or Accommodative), implanted, there may be a period of adaptation before you are able to see well.

How long should I remain off work ?

Usually one or two days. You may return to work as soon as you are comfortable. Make sure you are able to take your eye drops regularly as instructed.

How soon after my procedure may I drive ?

When your vision is clear and you are comfortable. You must be able to read a number plate at 25 meters. Your doctor will advise you if you meet the visual standards for driving.

When can I go swimming ?

After 4 weeks

When can I return to playing sports ?

You may return to all sporting activity after TWO weeks. For contact sports, you are advised to use protective eye glasses. Polycarbonate sports glasses are recommended.

When can I fly ?

There are no restrictions to flying and you should be able to fly within a day of surgery.

When may I return to activities such as housework, shopping and gardening?

There are no restrictions and you may return to these activities the following day. You must keep away from smoky and dusty environments and do not forget to wash your hands before using your eye drops.

When can I use eye make-up again ?

Mascara should be avoided for 2 weeks
All other make-up can be used 2 days following surgery.