Recovery From Cataract Laser Eye Surgery

A cataract occurs when there is clouding in the lens of the eye, resulting in blurry vision. One way to treat cataracts is laser eye surgery. Recovery from this kind of surgery is fairly simple. Vision will often begin clearing a few hours after the surgery.

Initial Recovery

• Immediately following laser eye surgery, the patient returns home to rest and recover, though someone else must drive him home and he should not be left alone for the first 24 hours or so.

Eye Drops

• If the eye shows swelling, a patient may use anti-inflammatory eye drops. The doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotic eye drops to lower the slight chances of complications or infections.

Eye Patch

• It is best to keep the eye covered with an eye patch or gauze taped to the face for a few days following laser eye surgery for cataracts.

Avoid Heavy Lifting

• Lifting heavy items or bending can cause added pressure to the eye, which will slow recovery time.

Follow-up Appointments

• Many doctors will schedule a post-operative evaluation the day following the laser eye surgery to ensure that everything is healing properly. A second follow-up appointment within a month or two is also a good idea.

Stay Indoors

• Patients recovering from laser eye surgery should stay indoors as much as possible to avoid getting anything in the eye, and avoid rubbing the eye for the same reason as well as to avoid irritation.