Can I drive 2 days after cataract surgery?
Asked by: Dr. Emmett Aufderhar | Last update: October 1, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (49 votes)
How soon can I drive after cataract surgery?
Most patients are able to resume driving 24 hours after cataract surgery. However, this completely depends on the individual patient. The day after your surgery, you will return to your surgeon's office for a follow-up appointment.
How long do you have to sleep upright after cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery should not affect how you sleep, aside from wearing the protective eye shield to avoid rubbing the eye. Rubbing your eye or even water splashing in your eye can aggravate the chances of infection. You may also want to avoid sleeping on the side of the operated eye for the first 24 hours.
What happens on day 2 after cataract surgery?
Within a few days after cataract surgery your vision should begin to improve and most of the discomfort should disappear. Although your vision may be blurry at first your eye will heal and adjust to the cataract removal and to the intraocular lens used to replace your eye's natural lens.
How many days rest is needed after cataract surgery?
Plan on taking one to three days off of work to be sure you have enough time to rest, but it is normal to resume most normal activities within a couple of days. Simple diversions like reading, watching TV, writing, and walking are okay to resume as soon as you feel up for it after your eye surgery.
When Can I Drive After Having Cataract Removed?
How long do you have to stay indoors after cataract surgery?
However, it's very important that you take it easy and rest for the first two or three days following the operation. During this time, avoid doing strenuous activities, such as housework or exercise after cataract surgery. This will give your eyes the time they need to heal.
What is the biggest complaint after cataract surgery?
1. Mild discomfort and itching after cataract surgery. Mild discomfort and itching are among the most common and immediately noticeable problems after cataract surgery, because it is natural for the eye to feel slightly irritated while it heals.
How long does it take for eyes to fully adjust after cataract surgery?
These side effects usually improve within a few days, but it can take 4 to 6 weeks to recover fully. If you need new glasses, you will not be able to order them until your eye has completely healed, usually after 6 weeks.
What are red flags after cataract surgery?
Go to eye casualty or A&E if you have:
severe pain after surgery. swelling of the eyelids. increasing redness, pain and blurring of vision in the days or weeks after surgery. distorted vision, wavy lines, flashing light or floaters that were not there before.
Can I shower 2 days after cataract surgery?
You can shower or wash your hair the day after surgery. Keep water, soap, shampoo, hair spray, and shaving lotion out of your eye, especially for the first week. Do not rub or put pressure on your eye for at least 1 week. Do not wear eye makeup for 1 to 2 weeks.
What is the fastest way to recover from cataract surgery?
- Limit Strenuous Activity. ...
- Shield Yourself from Irritants or Trauma. ...
- Keep Out of the Pool, and Shower Carefully. ...
- Avoid Driving. ...
- Follow Doctor's Orders.
What is the most feared complication of cataract surgery?
Although the incidence of endophthalmitis is only 0.13%, this remains the most feared complication of cataract surgery with a potential devastating effect.
Can I bend over to tie my shoes after cataract surgery?
You should not bend over after cataract surgery for at least 2 weeks. Bending over will place pressure on the eye and this may cause unnecessary complications to your eye. The main complication will be a delay in the healing process. Avoid bending over by following these rules.
How long does it take for the incision to heal after cataract surgery?
The incisions from surgery should heal within one week after surgery, but it's still important that you avoid getting water in your eyes and close your eyes while washing your face for the duration of the healing period.
Is coughing bad after cataract surgery?
It is also important to avoid bending over or putting the head lower than the waist in the first 48 hours after surgery, as this increases pressure on the eye. If possible, people should also avoid violent coughing or sneezing.
How long do you use drops after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, the risk of eye inflammation lasts longer than the risk of eye infection. Patients can expect to use their anti-inflammatory eye drops for three to six weeks after surgery. In some cases, the anti-inflammatory eye drops will need to be used longer than that.
Can I go out 3 days after cataract surgery?
After the first 48 to 72 hours, you'll be able to resume most of your normal daily activities, and most people can resume driving as soon as the blurry vision and halos dissipate. It's important to note that you'll be required to put eye drops in your eyes daily for the first four weeks after your cataract surgery.
Why is 2nd cataract surgery harder?
Patients experienced more pain in the surgery of the second eye than that of the first eye, which probably related to lower anxiety before the second surgery. It suggests that we should consider preoperative intervention to reduce the perceived pain during second eye cataract surgery.
How long does it take for the brain to adjust to cataract surgery?
Depending on the lens and the patient, neuroadaptation may happen sooner, later or not at all. The majority of patients will adapt to multifocal IOLs within six to 12 months, according to Dr. Maloney. But about 10 percent of patients never will adapt.
Can you see 20/20 after cataract surgery?
Many people assume that cataract surgery will give them "perfect" 20/20 vision, but this isn't always the case. In fact, some people may still need glasses or contacts to see clearly after surgery. But this doesn't mean the procedure isn't worth it!.
What is the biggest risk with cataract surgery?
The biggest risk is infection (endophthalmitis), which can lead to severe complications but is very rare. Are there any long term side effects of cataract surgery? Long-term side effects are uncommon but may include posterior capsule opacification (PCO) or persistent dry eyes.
What happens if you accidentally bend over after cataract surgery?
Most patients undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery may bend down after a day or two without complications. However, retinal surgery often includes the placement of a gas bubble. Patients with a gas bubble should avoid unnecessary movement, especially in a direction that may not be beneficial to their healing.
Why is my night vision worse after cataract surgery?
Cataract Surgery: A Solution with Considerations
Factors contributing to poor night vision may include the healing process, the type of IOL implanted, and other pre-existing eye conditions. Following the procedure, patients commonly report increased glare and sensitivity to light, impacting their vision at night.
How long does it take for eyes to settle down after cataract surgery?
It's advised that you wait four to six weeks for your eye to settle down before having an eye test for a new pair of glasses. If you wear very strong glasses, you may need to wait until you've had your other eye operated on to balance your vision.
What percentage of cataract surgeries go wrong?
At a conservative estimate, at least 25% (or 1.5 million) of the six million cataract operations performed annually in developing countries will have poor outcomes. About one quarter of these poor outcomes are due to surgical complications.