What happens after Cataract Surgery?

After cataract surgery, expect your vision to begin improving. Your vision may be blurry at first as your eye heals and adjusts.

Colors may seem brighter after your surgery because you are looking through a new, clear lens. A cataract is usually yellow- or brown-tinted before surgery, muting the look of colors.

You'll see your eye doctor the next day after your surgery, the following week, and then again after about a month to monitor healing. It's normal to feel itching and mild discomfort for a couple of days after surgery. Avoid bending, straining, and rubbing or pushing on your eye. Your doctor will ask you to wear an eye patch or protective shield the day of surgery. Your doctor may also recommend wearing the eye patch for a few days after your surgery and the protective shield when you sleep during the recovery period. Your doctor will also prescribe eyedrops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

After a couple of days, most of the discomfort should disappear. While the majority of recovery occurs within the first few days, complete healing will occur in the coming weeks to months as the eye heals from surgery and brain adapts to this new visual system. Our doctors will guide you each step of the way through this journey.