Cataract surgery is a popular procedure used to improve vision. During this procedure, your natural lens is taken out and replaced with an artificial one made of clear material.

At first, cataract surgery may cause some discomfort; this should subside quickly over the first few days and simple analgesics such as paracetamol may help alleviate it if necessary.

Can you drive?

Cataract surgery is an increasingly popular outpatient procedure to restore clear vision to those struggling with cloudy lenses. It is quick and painless; done in just 30 minutes on average. Before beginning, your eye surface will be numbed with anesthetic for minimal discomfort; for extra peace of mind sedative medication may also be given during this procedure.

At cataract surgery, your surgeon replaces an aged and cloudy natural lens with an artificial plastic one to restore vision. The old lens is removed through small incisions made at the junction of cornea and white of your eye – these incisions often self-seal themselves without needing stitches – while during your surgeon’s use of microscope and ultrasound probe, pieces of lens fragments are broken up (emulsified) using microscope and ultrasonic probe, then suctioned out through small incisions in your eye while supportive structures left behind hold both lenses in position until replacement takes place a year or so later on in time.

On the day after cataract surgery, it’s essential to rest to expedite healing. Strenuous activities, including exercising, lifting heavy objects or contact sports should be avoided in order to speed recovery. It would also be beneficial if someone was available to drive you home from the procedure and cover your eyes when outdoors; this will prevent debris or water entering and potentially causing complications in your eye.

After your procedure, avoid rubbing your eyes as this could cause further irritation and delay healing. Instead, use the eyedrops prescribed to you by your physician and try sleeping on the side opposite to where the affected eye was affected.

Care should also be taken when performing daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, gardening and dusting – these tasks could irritate the eyes and delay healing processes; so if possible seek assistance from friends and family.

Can you work?

Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient process that allows patients to return home shortly after it has been completed. Drops will be applied to dilate your pupil and you may receive medication to relax during surgery if necessary; you’ll remain awake but your eye will be numb; after which a plastic lens will be implanted into place of your cloudy natural lens to correct vision – this process typically takes around an hour to finish.

Avoid rubbing your eyes during the recovery period to reduce risk of infection and accelerate healing. Avoid activities which increase pressure within the eye such as bending over. After two or three days you should be back at work or driving again as usual while continuing with using drops as directed by your provider.

Your doctor will advise when it is safe for you to resume more strenuous physical exercise, taking into account factors like type, frequency and effect on eye pressure. Swimming should be avoided until advised by a healthcare provider; swimming could potentially cause irritation or infection and must wait until cleared by them to return in water.

As well as taking the necessary rest after cataract surgery, you should avoid rubbing your eye as this could cause additional injury and slow the recovery process. Instead, wash your hands frequently and ensure that other parts of your body are not coming in contact with objects or each other.

Within days after cataract surgery, most patients can return to work and other normal daily activities as long as they follow their doctor’s instructions for pain and recovery. You should make an appointment with your surgeon within one or two days to get a post-op checkup, should any concerns arise or symptoms that interfere with daily living arise, they must always be taken seriously by medical practitioners and not ignored.

Can you play sports?

Cataract surgery is typically a short and painless outpatient process that is performed under local anesthesia or possibly even with the addition of a sedative to help you relax during surgery. Your eye doctor will make a small incision in front of your eye before extracting and replacing your natural lens with one specially tailored for you, complete with artificial plastic lens implants suited specifically to you and your circumstances.

After cataract surgery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely in order to ensure proper eye healing and achieve maximum vision results. After cataract surgery, strenuous activities, heavy lifting and contact sports should be avoided for at least the first week following your procedure; regular activities should resume shortly thereafter. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes excessively or entering environments containing dust or dirt that could aggravate healing issues.

An important step after cataract surgery is attending all your post-surgery appointments with your eye doctor, so they can keep an eye on your progress and identify any problems before they worsen.

After cataract surgery, it’s a normal symptom to feel some scratchiness or the sensation that there’s something in your eye. While this should eventually subside as your eye heals, if these symptoms continue for more than several weeks then speaking with your eye specialist should be considered.

Avoid straining your eyes by not squinting or bending over, which could increase blood flow to the brain and delay recovery. If necessary, ask for assistance or use a ladder.

After cataract surgery, it is wise to wait until instructed by your physician before driving again. The operated eye may still be susceptible to infection while healing properly, and as hydration is essential post-op it’s also wise to consume plenty of fluids such as water.