Cataract surgery ranks among the most common and successful procedures performed in the United States, with over 3 million Americans choosing it each year. Most people walk out of the surgical center seeing better than they have in years.
But what happens after surgery? Your vision doesn’t stabilize overnight, and your eye needs time to heal properly. In Rapid City, South Dakota, Stephen Khachikian, MD, wants to help you understand what the recovery process looks like, so this month’s blog provides a guide to life after cataract surgery.
Expect to leave the surgical center with a protective shield over your eye. Dr. Khachikian tells you how long to wear it and when you can remove it safely.
Your vision may be cloudy or hazy right after surgery. The blurriness comes from pupil dilation, the bright surgical lights, and temporary corneal swelling. Some patients describe their vision as looking through a foggy window.
Mild discomfort is normal. Your eye might feel scratchy, as though there’s an eyelash stuck under your lid. You may also notice:
These symptoms typically fade over the first few days. Dr. Khachikian can recommend pain relief options if you need them.
Colors often look more vibrant because the cloudy natural lens that filtered out light is now gone. Most people notice clearer vision within a few days of surgery, but your eyes need time to fully adjust to the new intraocular lens.
Your vision might fluctuate during the first week or two. Things may look sharp one moment and slightly blurred the next as your eye heals and adjusts. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean something went wrong.
Dr. Khachikian schedules follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and make sure your vision is improving as expected.
Your eye is vulnerable in the weeks following surgery. The tiny incision needs time to seal completely, and certain activities can increase pressure inside your eye or introduce bacteria that could cause infection.
Water carries bacteria that can lead to serious infection. You must keep your eyes dry and avoid getting water directly in them for at least the first week. This means:
Use a washcloth to clean around your eye instead. Taking just a few simple precautions can help protect your eyes when they’re most vulnerable.
Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise increase pressure inside your eye. Dr. Khachikian gives you specific guidelines about when you can return to these activities, but light walking is generally fine and encouraged because it helps with circulation.
Even if your eye itches, resist the urge to rub it. Rubbing can dislodge the new lens or disturb the surgical site. You also need to wait before wearing eye makeup again.
Dr. Khachikian can prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and control inflammation. These drops are crucial for proper healing, and skipping doses can lead to complications. Follow the schedule he provides, and set reminders on your phone if you need help remembering.
Contact Dr. Khachikian right away if you experience:
These symptoms could indicate complications that need prompt treatment.
The weeks after surgery set the stage for your long-term vision results. Keep your appointments with Dr. Khachikian and follow his aftercare instructions. Call Stephen Khachikian, MD, at 605-203-4256 if you have questions about your recovery or book an appointment online anytime for a consultation about cataract surgery.
