La cataract surgery It is a simple intervention that consists of replacing the crystalline opaque by an intraocular lens. The procedure takes fifteen minutes and it is normal for the person to have blurred vision during the recovery process. Are you worried about when you will begin to see well after the operation of Cataracts? The visual acuity It is usually achieved progressively.

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain how is the recovery process of the cataract operation and how many days it takes to see well after this intervention.

cataract surgery recovery

How long does it take to recover from a cataract operation?

Cataract surgery is a simple procedure that performed on an outpatient basis and, once finished, the person can go home. As this operation suggests the extraction of the lens, many people think that recovery is somewhat complicated, and the truth is that it is quite the opposite.

The time it takes to recover from a cataract operation is usually short. A few days after the operation, the patient can resume their daily activities. If the patient presents any complication during the postoperative period, the recovery time could be slightly longer.

Immediately after the operation

Once the cataract intervention is finished, a protection can be placed over the patient's eye. avoid friction or any type of accidental contact. After intraocular lens implantation, se proceeds to transfer the patient to the recovery room, where he must remain for at least 30 minutes. During this time, the effect of sedation is reduced, postoperative instructions are given, and the date of the first check-up is scheduled. 

After surgery, the patient will not be able to drive, so they will have to go home with a family member. Before leaving the medical center, he must wear sunglasses to protect the eyes along the way. Upon arrival home, the patient can remove the protection placed on the eye, but will have to wear it to sleep for a few days. 

At first it can be difficult to adapt to the new intraocular lens. However, most patients claim enjoy a much clearer vision and appreciate the brightest colors. The first days after the operation are for adaptation. Blurred vision often occurs during this time, but it is a temporary symptom that goes away quickly. 

Ideally, the patient should remain relaxed and rest during the procedure. cataract surgery postoperative. Also, it is important adhere to prescribed treatment. The surgeon almost always recommends eye drops for inflammation and prophylactic antibiotics. 

pain is rarely experienced after cataract surgery. However, burning, itching or discomfort may be felt after applying the eye drops.

After the surgery begins, more than a recovery stage, a process of adaptation to the intraocular lens that the patient's new vision has already been placed. Due to the presence of a foreign body inside the eye, it is normal to feel some discomfort during the first few days, such as:

these symptoms they usually disappear progressively after a couple of days. Saying when you start to see well after cataract surgery is a bit tricky, as each person evolves differently. There are patients who notice a considerable improvement in vision the next day, others may take one to six weeks. Visual acuity reaches its maximum value once the eye has completely scarred and healed.

control queries

The first ophthalmological consultation after cataract surgery is the day after the operation. During the appointment, the surgeon will review the ocular structure, check if the medication is working and answer the patient's questions. 

Although in many cases the patient can drive the next day, we recommend that a family member drive you to the consultation. After this first consultation and depending on the patient's recovery status, we will organize the control consultation protocol with the ophthalmologist until the patient is discharged.

During the postoperative period of cataract surgery, it is important to follow the medical instructions to the letter and take into account the following preventive measures:

  • Do not lift weight.
  • Wear sunglasses when the light bothers you. 
  • Do not put pressure on the eyes.
  • Don't rub your eyes.
  • Do not wear makeup for the first two weeks.
  • Wipe secretions from the eye with gauze moistened with sterile saline.
  • Avoid driving during the first week.
  • Do not sunbathe.
  • Do not practice risk or contact sports.

Normal symptoms in a cataract postoperative

The most frequent symptoms after facing cataract surgery, are:

  • Blurred or distorted vision. 
  • See straight lines as wavy or with distortions in their shape.
  • The eyes may look red or bloodshot.
  • If an injection was given to the eye, it is possible that the eye structure may be bruised, similar to a black eye.
  • eye roughness

Possible side effects of cataract surgery

During the postoperative period of the cataract operation there are usually no complications or unwanted effects. If during the days off from the operation the patient presents pain, a lot of photophobia and eye discomfort, it is important that you contact your ophthalmologist.

Although very rare, it can occasionally occur endophthalmitis during recovery from cataract surgery. This condition is characterized by internal inflammation of the eye caused by an infection. 

The most common complication of this surgery is posterior capsular opacification. This alteration can cause blurred vision for months and even years after cataract operation. Fortunately, clear vision can be restored to the patient by performing a capsulotomy back with laser.

Cataract surgery is a procedure that, as long as it is performed with an expert ophthalmologist and in a professional medical center, you don't have to have complications. However, like any surgical procedure, it is not without risk and can cause some side effects that, although not common, can occur.

The most common side effect associated with this surgery is the formation of secondary cataracts, what cause blurred vision after cataract operation. This condition occurs when the membrane that covers the intraocular lens becomes cloudy. When this occurs, it is necessary for the surgeon to perform a treatment with YAG laser to allow the passage of light.

Another side effect is retinal detachment, condition that the person will notice immediately due to the appearance of ants , floating bodies or a black spot on the campor visual. He retinal detachment It is an eye emergency. When this happens, it is vital to go inmediatamente to an eye center to receive proper treatment and avoid major complications.

Lastly, people who have had cataract surgery run the risk of increase the number of diopters of refractive errors, such as myopia.

Tips for the postoperative period of the cataract operation

We cannot answer exactly how long it takes to recover from cataract surgery, as each case is different. However, we can offer you a series of tips to make the cataract surgery postoperative period more bearable:

  • During the days following the operation it is important keep wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from glare. 
  • One week after surgery you can return to daily routine, including work. 
  • When showering, great care must be taken to do not get water in the eye.
  • The realization of sports activities can only be resumed when indicated by the ophthalmologist
  • If you experience Dry Eye it is important to go to the ophthalmologist to prescribe a treatment for post-operative compatible dryness.
  • Do not be alarmed if they appear halos of light around the lights. This symptom can last for several weeks.

However, keep in mind that these side effects after cataract surgery are rare. The reality is that the quality of life of patients who undergo this operation increases considerably.

If you are looking for a trusted center, we are what you are looking for. In Área Oftalmológica Avanzada we have the best experts for the treatment and postoperative care of cataracts. We will wait for you!

SaveSave

Summary
Recovery from cataract surgery. complete guide
Article name
Recovery from cataract surgery. complete guide
Description
The time it takes to recover from cataract surgery is usually short. We teach you the postoperative steps.
Author
Name of the editor
Área oftalmológica avanzada
Editor's logo