Do I need someone to look after me after cataract surgery?
Asked by: Marilie Stamm | Last update: January 3, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (74 votes)
Can I take care of myself after cataract surgery?
You'll be able to shower and take a bath as usual after cataract surgery. Just remember to avoid any water or irritants, such as shampoo or soap, getting into your eye. We advise wiping your face with water rather than splashing water onto your face for the first 2 weeks.
Should you be on your own after cataract surgery?
Many patients have a friend or family member take them home after the procedure. In the first 24 hours post-surgery, patients should follow these precautions and recovery tips: Rest and Relaxation: It's essential to rest and avoid strenuous activities, allowing the eye to heal.
Is it okay to be alone after cataract surgery?
You will need to have a family member or friend with you to take you home. Once you get home, it is recommended that you rest your eyes and nap. Several hours post-surgery, most people are able to watch some television or look at a computer screen for a short period of time.
What is the standard of care for post-op 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.
What is Recovery Like After Cataract Surgery? | Wolfe Eye Clinic
Do I need assistance after cataract surgery?
You can typically go home on the same day as your surgery. However, you won't be able to drive, so arrange for a ride home. Also arrange for help around home, if necessary, because your eye doctor may limit activities, such as bending and lifting, for about a week after your surgery.
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.
Do you need a caregiver after cataract surgery?
It can take up to eight weeks for him to heal, so he'll need a caregiver around for a couple of months. Your dad may find light is bothersome at first. He may wear sunglasses throughout the day, even when he's inside. This can make it hard to complete certain tasks.
Do I need someone with me after cataract surgery?
As you won't be able to drive immediately after cataract surgery, you'll need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home afterwards.
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.
Why do you need someone to stay with you after cataract surgery?
You may need someone to stay with you for a day to help you follow your doctor's instructions. With modern cataract surgery, most patients have fast visual recovery. Some patients are even able to drive themselves to see doctor for follow-up the day after surgery. Remember that the follow-up is very important.
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.
Why can't you shower after cataract surgery?
Exposure to water can put your eyes at risk of infection or irritation until your eye has healed from surgery. “Give yourself at least one night of sleep before showering, and prevent the stream of water from hitting your eyes directly,” says Eghrari.
How long does it take to see 20/20 after cataract surgery?
Many people have clearer vision within 24 hours after surgery. Most people can see well enough to return to their usual activities after one to two days. Your vision will fluctuate over the next week or two as it stabilizes. Avoid swimming, lifting, strenuous activities, and rubbing your eyes for two weeks.
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.
Does a person need help after cataract surgery?
You could arrange for someone to help take care of you until your vision returns, particularly if the vision in your other eye is poor. If you work, how soon you can return will largely depend on your type of job and if you need new glasses.
Why do I have to carry a card after cataract surgery?
You will be given an Implant Identification Card, which you should keep as a permanent record of the lens that was implanted in your eye.
Do you sit in a chair for cataract surgery?
The surgery takes about 20 minutes, but expect to be at the hospital for 1 ½ to 2 hours in total. Sometimes the surgery may be a bit later than planned, at other times earlier. You will sit in a recliner chair.
Do I need someone with me for cataract surgery?
You are advised not to drive for several hours after your appointment; therefore you might wish to arrange for someone to accompany you. A doctor or optometrist will assess the cataract and the general health of your eyes. They will discuss the benefits and risks of surgery and take your consent.
Do you need a caregiver after surgery?
The Benefits of Professional Post-Op and Post-Hospital Care
For those receiving care after a hospital stay or surgery, the benefits of temporary in-home care after surgery include: Better recovery time. Less stress and worry. Not having to be alone during recovery.
How many follow ups do you need after cataract surgery?
Additional follow-up appointments typically take place 1-2 weeks after surgery. At this point, most patients see their optometrist to be measured for glasses and obtain an updated eyeglass prescription. We schedule most patients to return to see us 2-3 months after surgery to follow up on how well the eye is doing.
Do people ever regret having cataract surgery?
Dr. Basti said it's not uncommon for patients to be unhappy after what is otherwise a successful cataract surgery. He said that about a quarter of patients who experience this dissatisfaction will not actually spell it out for the surgeon, but if you probe, you'll get to why they are unhappy.
How long does it take for eyes to fully adjust after cataract surgery?
As the eyes heal and adjust, some patients may experience blurry vision. Patients usually experience clear vision the day following the surgery. However, for some people vision can take several days to return to normal. Patients should prepare for other mild side effects as their vision clears after cataract surgery.
How severe is post cataract surgery pain?
Although true pain after cataract surgery is rare, mild to moderate discomfort is common. This discomfort can generally be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol®. However, prescription medications can be prescribed for patients who experience more intense discomfort or pain.