LASIK - shortened

Cataract Surgery Menu

Menu

Refractive Cataract Surgery Recovery Timeline

What to expect after cataract surgery

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

Refractive cataract surgery is more than an opportunity to remove cataracts. This procedure also helps you correct refractive errors, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia, with our premium intraocular (IOL) lenses.

After your short recovery from cataract surgery, you’ll experience sharper vision, free of the symptoms of cataracts, and reduced or altogether erased dependence on glasses.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

Cataract Surgery

What Does Recovery From Cataract Surgery Look Like?

After your one-day post-operative appointment, look forward to returning to daily activities. Use your antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed. Over the next few days, you will begin notice the effect of refractive cataract surgery. Durrie Vision follows you for up to a year after surgery to check on your recovery and progress.

Refractive Cataract Surgery Recovery Timeline

5

During Your Surgery

  • Your procedure only takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Discomfort will vary. You may experience some mild itchiness or a scratchy foreign body sensation.
  • Light sensitivity is expected, as your pupils may be dilated for up to 24 hours following surgery.
  • Immediately following surgery, your vision will likely be blurry, but it will gradually improve over the next few weeks.
5

24 to 48 Hours After Surgery

  • You may begin to notice the positive effects of your surgery.
  • Attend your one-day post-operative appointment.
  • Rest to promote recovery from cataract surgery.
  • Use your antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed.
  • Start wearing eye shields during your first night of sleep after surgery.
5

First Week

  • Your vision will continue to improve during this time.
  • By this time, you’ve likely returned to work and daily activities (unless they include heavy lifting, swimming, or hot tub use).
  • We recommend light exercise only, such as walking.
  • Wear your eye shields at night until the end of the first week.
5

Two to Four Weeks

  • Your vision will continue to improve even more.
  • Much of the healing process has occurred by this time.
  • You may resume other activities other than swimming and hot tubs.
5

One to Three Months

  • Healing is complete.
  • Most people will see the full results of their surgery.
Book your consultation

Restrictions After Refractive Cataract Surgery

After your one-day exam, you may return to driving if you are confident in your vision.

As comfort allows, you may return to work and most daily activities.

Shower or bathe with caution, avoiding soap or water in your eyes.

You can wear makeup after your one-day exam. Be careful when applying or removing it.

Use caution with lifting more than 30 pounds and physical exertion for one month.

Do not use a hot tub or swim in a pool, lake, or ocean for one month.

Do’s and Don’ts After Refractive Cataract Surgery

DO:

  • Use your preservative-free artificial tears frequently. (They cannot be overused!)
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun.
  • Take NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen) or acetaminophen as needed.
  • Wear eye shields when sleeping for one week.
  • Relax after surgery. It is okay to take a nap.
  • Choose a responsible adult to stay with you for the first 12 to 24 hours.

DON’T:

  • Do not rub or bump your eyes.
  • Hurt your eye with the tip of the eye dropper when instilling eye drops.

Medications

After your procedure, you’ll receive a prescription(s) for medicated eye drops and guidance on any recommended over-the-counter drops. Specific instructions will be provided to you directly as part of your personalized care plan.

We’re Here. Reach Out At Any Time.

Stay connected to our team during your recovery from refractive cataract surgery. We’re always here to help with your vision needs. Call Durrie Vision with any questions or concerns.

Don’t just take our word for it!

“I was impressed with the amount of detailed testing they did at my initial consultation. I had a great experience the day of my LASIK procedure with all of the staff. The results are amazing for such a quick procedure!”

Melissa S

“After 25+ years of glasses and contacts, all it took was about 10 minutes of surgery to correct my vision. Everyone was friendly and easy to work with throughout the process. To anyone considering getting their vision corrected, I give my highest recommendation to Durrie Vision.”

Brad

“Walked into the office unable to see the Snellen chart, walked out after SBK seeing 20/30, which improved to 20/15 at my next day follow-up. The entire process was seamless and professional, and the results are absolutely unbelievable. Had no idea my vision could ever be this clear.”

Kristin

“Quick, easy, friendly! Dr. Stahl did my SBK and I was seeing 20/15 the next morning! Amazing!”

Madalyn

“I had LASIK done last week and I am very pleased. I had never worn contacts and was not comfortable touching my eyes so I was nervous, but they provide Valium to ease nerves  It was easier than I expected. They say you’re in surgery for eight minutes but it didn’t even feel that long.”

Michael

“From the time that I walked into the building for my consultation until I walked out from my post-operation check-up, I was extremely impressed with the level of care. The attention to detail, the technology used to treat my astigmatism and the affordable cost, all were things that stood out.”

Ryan

Schedule a Free Consultation

During your free consultation visit, you will meet with an experienced refractive surgeon who will discuss your results along with a custom recommendation for treatment.

Book Now

Take the LASIK Eligibility Assessment

Are you a candidate for laser vision correction? Let’s find out. Take our 60-second online test to see what procedure might be the best option for your vision and lifestyle.

Start Test

From The Experts At Durrie Vision