Discharge Instructions for Cataract Surgery
Discharge Instructions for Cataract Surgery
A surgeon removed the cloudy lens in your eye and replaced it with a clear man-made lens. Be sure to have an adult family member or friend drive you home after surgery. Here’s what you can expect following surgery and tips for a healthy recovery.
What to expect
It is normal to have the following:
Bruised or bloodshot eye for 7 days
Itching and mild discomfort for several days
Some fluid discharge
Sensitivity to light
Scratchy, sandlike feeling in the eye for 2 weeks
Feeling tired, especially during the first 24 hours
Activity level
Do not drive for 2 days or as instructed by your eye care provider.
Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
Avoid bending at the waist to pick up objects or lifting anything heavy for 2 days.
Relax for the first 24 hours after surgery. Watching TV and reading are OK and won’t harm your eye.
Eye protection
Do not rub or press on your eye.
Sleep on your back or on your unoperated side for 2 nights.
If instructed, wear a bandage over your eye for 2 days and 2 nights.
If instructed, wear a shield to protect your eye for 2 days and 2 nights.
Using eye drops
You may be given special eye drops or ointment. Here is one way to use eye drops:
Tilt your head back.
Pull your bottom eyelid down.
Squeeze one drop into your eye. Do not touch your eye with the bottle tip.
Close your eyes for a few seconds.
If you need more than one drop, wait at least 5 minutes before adding the next one.
Call your eye care provider right away if you have any of the following:
Bleeding or discharge from the eye
Sudden worsening of your vision.
Pain that does not improve with the pain medicine that is recommended for you.
Nausea or vomiting
Chills or fever over 100.4°F (39.1°C)
Updated:
October 30, 2017
Reviewed By:
Bogus, OD, FAAO, William J.,,Haupert, Christopher L., MD