Cataract & presbyopia
Cataract surgery recovery: what to do before and after
Most daily activities are possible the day after surgery, but your eyes still need protection. This cataract surgery recovery guide covers the day of surgery, eye drops, eye shield, washing, exercise, alcohol and smoking. Follow it and ask our nurses or surgeons if your eyes need different care.
Before surgery: what to expect
Your plan starts with an exam. We check the cataract and the rest of the eye, measure your lens power and choose a lens with you. See cataract tests and diagnosis and the guide to cataract IOL types.
Surgery is done under strict infection control. Surgical staff disinfect their hands thoroughly and sterilize supplies, and the operating room temperature and humidity are controlled around the clock.
Bring your questions to the nurse or surgeon. Care instructions can differ depending on your eye condition after surgery.
Vision recovery after surgery
How fast you recover depends on your eyes. Daily activities are possible from the day after surgery. During recovery, vision may differ between your two eyes.
About 1 month after surgery, we may prescribe reading glasses or driving glasses if you need them.
Pain and irritation on the day of surgery are normal: the eye can feel irritated, watery and slightly painful.
Cataract surgery recovery timeline and precautions
| Topic | What to do |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Keep your eyes closed and rest as much as possible. Never touch or rub your eyes. |
| Eye shield | Wear it until your follow-up visit the next day. Then wear it while sleeping for about 2 weeks. |
| Eye drops | Use them for about 1 month for faster recovery and to prevent infection. |
| Washing and showering | For 2 weeks, keep water out of your eyes when washing your face or hair. Saunas, public baths and steam rooms are allowed after 1 month. |
| Exercise | Light exercise after 1 week. Strenuous exercise after 1 month. |
| Alcohol | No alcohol for 1 month. Avoid heavy drinking for 2 months. |
| Smoking | Stop smoking for at least 1 week. |
| Long term | Never press hard on or rub the operated eye, for life. Avoid trauma. |
These guidelines can change depending on your eye condition after surgery. Ask the nurse or surgeon if you have any question.
If vision turns cloudy again later
Months or years after surgery, a cloudy membrane can form behind the lens. It is treated with a quick laser procedure. Read about secondary cataract treatment.
Back to the cataract and presbyopia center, or book your free consultation to plan your surgery and cataract surgery recovery.
Questions answered
When can I return to daily activities after cataract surgery?
Daily activities are possible from the day after surgery, though recovery varies with your eyes. Vision may differ between the two eyes during recovery.
How long do I use the eye shield and eye drops?
Wear the eye shield until the next-day follow-up, then while sleeping for about 2 weeks. Use eye drops for about 1 month.
When can I exercise, drink alcohol or use a sauna?
Light exercise is allowed after 1 week and strenuous exercise after 1 month. No alcohol for 1 month. Saunas, public baths and steam rooms are allowed after 1 month.
Will I need glasses after surgery?
About 1 month after surgery, reading glasses or driving glasses may be prescribed if you need them.
Get your free consultation before you decide
- Free consultation and checkup, even if you decide against surgery
- Same price as Korean patients, no overseas surcharge
- Interpreters in English, Japanese and Chinese
