Imagine you’ve been peering through a foggy window for years. Suddenly, that glass is polished clear and your world is light, colourful and clear again.
Cataract surgery may offer this kind of transformation. It’s one of the most common surgeries performed in Australia and recovery is usually straightforward. As with any surgery though, the body needs time to heal.
What to expect during your recovery
After the surgery, your eye may feel a little gritty, watery or itchy, and it’s normal to experience some blurred vision initially. These symptoms are part of your body’s natural healing process and typically subside within a few days, aided by lubricating eye drops.
To aid your recovery, your doctor may recommend that you:
- Use eye drops to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection
- Avoid getting soap, water or anything else in your eye
- Don’t rub or press your eye
- Wear a protective eye shield when you sleep to prevent accidental rubbing
- Avoid straining your eye.
How long does recovery from cataract surgery take?
For most patients, the recovery period is surprisingly swift. Many can return to daily activities like reading or light chores within 24–48 hours, although full visual stabilisation may take a bit longer.
When can I return to normal activities after cataract surgery?
Your doctor will advise you on when you can resume your normal activities. As a general guide, you can usually resume:
- Driving after about 24 hours, once the anaesthetic has cleared from your system
- Gentle exercise within a week
- High-impact sports, heavy lifting, gardening or swimming after about 2 weeks.
When will I notice improvements in my sight after cataract surgery?
Often quite quickly. It’s a bit like replacing an old, yellowed photograph with a high-definition image where colours appear brighter and objects look sharper.
While clarity improves quickly, your brain might take a few weeks to fully adjust to the new lens. The full benefits – such as reduced glare or improved night vision – may not become apparent until about a month after surgery when the eye has completely healed.
If you’re still wearing glasses, you’ll probably find them much more effective. If you opted for lifestyle or refractive cataract surgery, you may be adjusting to a wonderful new normal where you wear your glasses less often – or not at all.
How can I support my own recovery?
You can improve your odds of a smooth recovery from cataract surgery by:
- Following your surgeon’s advice
- Protecting your eye
- Being patient with the process.
You should now, hopefully, be able to enjoy many activities that had become difficult due to your poor vision. Cataract surgery really can give a new lease of life to many patients, significantly improving vision-related quality of life measures.
If you have any concerns about your recovery from cataract surgery, please contact your surgeon at OKKO Eye Specialist Centre. Your welfare is important to us and we aim to support you through exceptional surgical and post-op care.
Considering cataract surgery?
Cataracts commonly form due to age-related changes, trauma or steroid use. If you’re experiencing blurred vision, increased glare sensitivity, reduced brightness and colour perception and difficulties driving at night, then please book a consultation with one of our highly skilled ophthalmologists in Auchenflower or Mount Gravatt.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
References
- Healthdirect, Cataract surgery, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cataract-surgery#, [Accessed 21 January 2025]
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, Cataract surgery: risks, recovery and costs, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery, [Accessed 21 January 2025]
