After surgery

Most people experience minimal discomfort after cataract surgery; a mild painkiller (such as Tylenol) can be taken if needed. Some redness, scratchiness, or morning discharge may be present during the first few days after surgery. In addition, it is common to see a few black spots or shapes (called floaters) drifting through the field of vision. A protective patch is generally worn over the eye for 24 hours. Glasses must be worn during the day to avoid trauma to the eye, and an eye shield is used at night for several days to a few weeks to prevent accidentally rubbing or poking the eye while asleep.

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Vision varies widely when the patch is first removed. In most people, vision remains blurred for several days to weeks, then gradually improves as the eye heals. In some cases, the sutures in the eye alter the shape of the cornea and result in temporary blurring. This problem generally goes away on its own, though it may require removal of the sutures--a simple and painless procedure. In general, vision improves faster in those who receive intraocular lens implants than in those with cataract glasses or contact lenses. However, surgery usually changes the corrective prescription for the eye (even in those with lens implants), and new eyeglasses will be needed to correct any remaining nearsightedness or farsightedness. The patient is considered fully recovered when the eye is completely healed and vision has stabilized so that a final corrective prescription can be obtained.