Cataract surgery has a remarkably high success rate, and it can dramatically improve your vision. However, you will need some time to heal when the procedure is done. How long will it take for your eyes to recover?
The skilled ophthalmologists at Southwest Eyecare in Albuquerque have helped many of their patients see the world in a whole new light with this surgery, so they’re very familiar with the healing process. Here’s what you need to know for the best results after cataract surgery.
What is the Typical Cataract Surgery Recovery Time?
Cataract surgery can make a dramatic improvement in your eyesight. You may expect a long or difficult recovery with such a big change. The good news is that it shouldn’t take very long before you’re feeling–and seeing–better. Recovery is pretty quick, and here’s the typical timeline.
Immediately after surgery, your eye will be covered with a shield to protect it. Your doctor will tell you how many hours you need to keep the shield in place. When you do take it off, your vision may seem blurry, foggy, or distorted. This is mostly because your eye is still figuring out how to use the new lens. This strange vision should only last about an hour.
The surgery will likely disrupt the blood vessels in your eye, leaving it red and bloodshot. This will go away, but it will take several days to heal completely.
For many patients, their vision becomes clearer on the day of surgery. It may take a little longer than that, but it shouldn’t take more than a week or two for your vision to become sharper than it was before.
You might experience dry eyes, or they might feel gritty for a little while, but that should go away as your eyes heal. Most people are completely recovered in about a month, but in some cases, it can take up to eight weeks.
What Can You Expect from Cataract Surgery?
The results of this procedure are overwhelmingly positive. Roughly 98% of people who have had cataract surgery have a successful outcome and come away with improved vision. On top of that, only about 0.5% of them report serious postoperative complications.
Cataract surgery has been shown to be remarkably safe and successful, and you are very likely to be happy with the results. Still, there are things you can do to help your eyes heal as quickly as possible.
Tips to Speed Your Recovery
Your eyes are likely to heal quickly and fully from cataract surgery. But to ensure that you have the most comfortable and quickest recovery possible, there are a few things you can do.
- Use your eye drops as instructed.
- Don’t drive the first day after surgery.
- Avoid bending over right after surgery because this will increase the pressure in your eyes.
- Take it easy for a few days after the procedure.
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks.
- Your eyes may be slightly itchy, but don’t rub them, especially in the first week.
- Wear your eye shield while you sleep for a minimum of one week.
- For the first week after surgery, avoid pools and hot tubs to reduce the risk of infection.
Choose the Trusted Ophthalmologists at Southwest Eyecare for Cataract Care
If you live in the Albuquerque area and are interested in improving your eyesight with cataract surgery, we invite you to come and see the experts at Southwest Eyecare. Our specialists are dedicated to helping our patients have the healthiest eyes possible. Please contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment!
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