5 MINUTE READ | November 18, 2022 | Cataracts

The Recovery Process After Cataract Surgery

According to a study published by the World Health Organization (WHO), some 65 million people have cataracts. Of those, 80% will eventually suffer severe vision loss as a result of cataracts. Most people begin to develop early signs of cataracts in their 40s and 50s. By their 60s, they may start to notice something is not quite right with their eyesight. For example, they might start to see halos around bright lights or notice that their vision is blurred, clouded, or dim. Eventually, these issues and others will compel most to consider and ultimately undergo cataract surgery. If you’re considering cataract surgery or simply wondering about your options, then here’s what to know about cataract surgery and the recovery process.

Side Effects of Cataract Surgery

Most people, understandably, worry about what will happen during cataract surgery – but the recovery process is arguably more important. This is because the healing process informs how well your vision will function afterward. While rare, some people do encounter side effects following cataract surgery, some of which include the following:

  • Eye infection
  • Eye swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Retinal detachment
  • Drooping eyelids
  • An increase in eye pressure within 12 to 24 hours of undergoing surgery

While these side effects are rare, they do occur in some people who elect to undergo cataract surgery. Our team of experienced eye surgeons will discuss the risks and how you can mitigate them during your consultation.

What Happens to Your Vision After Cataract Surgery?

You should begin to see some early signs of vision improvement within a few days of having cataract surgery. For example, most people find they have brighter vision after surgery. This is likely because yellow-brownish cataracts that once affected their vision have been surgically removed. This results in brighter, clearer vision all around.

Your vision overall will still be a bit blurry as your eyes continue to heal. It’s also normal to experience itching and mild eye discomfort during this time. To minimize the risk of infection, it’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes – you’ll be given prescription eyedrops which not only alleviate itching but also reduce inflammation and lower high eye pressure. Make sure to use the eye drop according to your eye surgeon’s instructions.

How Long Does Cataract Surgery Recovery Take?

All in all, it takes anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to recover fully from cataract surgery. But the time spent recovering is well worth it when you consider the trade-off is being free to enjoy sharp, crystal-clear vision. Cataract surgery typically has a great outcome and produces long-lasting results, making it a great investment in yourself and your lifestyle.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about cataract surgery, schedule a consultation with our team. Contact us by calling our Boca Raton or Tamarac office or filling out our online form.

Dr. Archana Gupta

Dr. Archana Gupta is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract, cornea, external diseases, and refractive surgery. With expertise in comprehensive eye care, she performs a wide range of procedures including complex cataract surgeries, corneal transplants, LASIK, and PRK. Dr. Gupta completed her cornea fellowship at the University of Minnesota and ophthalmology residency at the University of Buffalo. As a clinical instructor at Nova Southeastern University/Larkin Community Hospital, she contributes to resident education while maintaining an active research profile with peer-reviewed publications. Known for her empathetic approach, Dr. Gupta provides individualized care using state-of-the-art technology at Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton and Tamarac, FL.

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