What To Expect After Cataract Surgery

How you may feel after surgery

During cataract surgery, we make a small cut on the cornea. After surgery, it takes time for this wound to heal and for the nerves to re-establish their normal paths. As a result, some patients may experience a sensation of having "sand in the eye." Additionally, mild pressure and heaviness might be felt.

 

These symptoms may persist from several days to a few months. The use of prescribed eye drops and artificial tear eye drops should gradually improve the discomfort each day.

 

What will your vision be like?

In the initial week following cataract surgery, you may notice a small or large pupil, and your vision might appear fuzzy. The pupil size depends on medications that are used during surgery. It usually takes up to one week for the pupil to return to its normal size. Your vision may fluctuate initially but should stabilize around six weeks after cataract surgery. It is advisable to wait until six weeks after surgery for a new prescription for glasses to be accurate.

 

What eye drop should I use?

You have been given a prescription. Please follow the orders on your prescription. It usually contains:

 

1. A non-steroidal analgesic drop (avoid if allergic to Aspirin).

2. A steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drop.

3. An antibiotic to prevent infection.

 

What can happen a few days after cataract surgery:

 

Dry eye:

Dry eyes are common, both before and after cataract surgery. If you had pre-existing dry eye problems or underwent Lasik/PRK surgery before cataract surgery, your eyes may become even more irritated after the procedure.

 

Treatment for dry eyes typically involves using artificial tears (preferably without preservatives).

 

Floaters:

After cataract surgery, you may notice small moving spots in your field of vision known as floaters. These are microscopic collagen fibres within the vitreous jelly that cast tiny shadows onto the retina. Floaters may have been visible before the surgery but can become more noticeable after removing the cataract.

 

Floaters are generally normal and harmless. However, if you notice many floaters, flashing lights, a spider-web-like pattern, restricted side vision, feeling a curtain in any part of your vision, or a sudden loss of vision, these might be signs of a retinal detachment, which requires immediate attention. You should contact your eye doctor or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency.

 

What can happen a few weeks or months after surgery:

 

Posterior Opacification (secondary cataract):

A few weeks, months, or even years after cataract surgery, some patients may experience blurry and cloudy vision again. This clouding is caused by scar tissue buildup on the capsular membrane that holds your lens implant. 

 

Are there risks to the YAG laser?

Yes, while the risk is very low they may cause floaters and retinal detachment.