How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
Deciding to have cataract surgery is a big step that can truly improve the quality of your life. When you decide it is time to have your cataract removed with cataract surgery, your Perich Eye surgeon will perform an operation to remove the lens of your eye that has become cloudy and replace it with a clear artificial lens. The new lens is called an intraocular lens. How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery? Let’s go over the details to help you understand the journey ahead.
Recovering from Cataract Surgery
The surgery to remove your cataracts is very specific. Your surgeon will make tiny cuts with a laser or a blade near the edge of your cornea, which is the clear covering on the front of your eye. This will enable your surgeon to reach your lens with the cataract and remove it. Next, your surgeon will put a new lens in place.
After your surgeon has replaced the lens of your eye with the new intraocular lens, the so-called self-sealing incisions will close on their own in time. In most cases, you will not need stitches to close the incisions. Your surgeon will then place a shield over your eye to protect it during the healing process. After the surgery you will want to follow all of your doctors instructions very carefully.
Here are some general tips to know in advance:
Use eye drops exactly as prescribed
Avoid getting soap or water directly in the eye.
Do not rub your eye or press on it. Your doctor may require you to wear glasses to protect your eye.
Wear a protective shield during sleep
Refrain from exercise and other activities including driving until your doctor tells you it is safe to resume them.
When you research the specific question of “How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?” you will find answers that are all over the place. Each person will have a different experience as the body adapts and adjusts but what we find here at Perich Eye, is that healing will be complete within 4 months. Most people find that they are feeling great and seeing great as well within 2 months.
That doesn’t mean you will have to wait that long to see improvement however. Within a few days of your cataract surgery, you most likely will see improved vision. Many people have an adjustment period where their vision is blurry or foggy as your eyes adjust to the change followed by that clearer vision. What is important to remember is you need to take special care of your eyes for the four months following your cataract surgery. That way your eyes can fully heal without further complications.
You will have follow up appointments to ensure that healing is going well. As always, if you are having prolonged pain, discomfort, or blurriness, it is important to let your doctor know on your follow up appointments.
What are the potential complications of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery like most surgeries entails risks of problems and complications including:
Eye Infection
Bleeding in the eye
Lingering swelling inside the eye or of the front of the eye
Detached Retina
Damage to other parts of the eye
Pain that does not dissipate with over-the-counter medications
Loss of Vision
Dislocation of the intraocular lens that moves it out of position
Further treatment may be required if your vision becomes cloudy or blurry weeks, months or even years after cataract surgery. You surgeon can perform a laser procedure known as a posterior capsulotomy to restore clear vision once again.
