Laser Vision

Protecting Your Eyes After Laser Cataract Surgery

Protecting Your Eyes After Laser Cataract Surgery

The overall recovery process after laser cataract surgery is typically very simple, and once complete you can enjoy the full effect of your restored vision.

After laser cataract surgery, there are a few essential steps to follow to ensure your eyes remain healthy and can recover properly. When undergoing treatment with LaserVision your consultant will answer all questions pre-and post-surgery, to ensure your recovery plan is appropriate for your needs. However, it’s important that you know and understand how to properly protect your eyes after cataract treatment.

 

What are the advantages of laser cataract surgery?

Laser cataract surgery (femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery) offers a number of advantages over conventional surgery. These advantages include:

Minimally invasive

Laser cataract surgery creates precise access to the interior of the eye, while also fragmenting the clouded lens to remove it with little to no ultrasonic power. Resulting in less strain on the tissues and structure of the eye and helping to prevent inflammation.

Unprecedented accuracy

This treatment allows us to carefully measure the eye, and programme the data into the laser. This allows the surgeon to tailor your treatment for ultimate accuracy from start to finish.

Ultimate precision 

Precise to 1/1000th of a millimetre, laser cataract surgery increases the likelihood that your artificial lens will remain stable for the best possible vision. The femtosecond laser ensures surgeons can achieve the perfect shape, size, and position for lens fragmentation, as well as ensuring the artificial lens will perfectly align.

Bladeless surgery

This treatment creates the perfect shape and dimensions for the ports required to access the cataract without the need for sharp blades.

Bespoke cataract treatment plans

With femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery, you treatments can be tailored to your exact needs. The versatility of this treatment allows us to pinpoint where to separate the tissues – ensuring the procedure is custom to your eye.

Find out more about femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery.

 

How long does recovery take after laser cataract surgery?

The recovery process after laser cataract treatment is short. Typically, discomfort subsides within a couple of days, however, a full recovery can range from 4-6 weeks, depending on the severity of your case and your medical history.

It is important that you follow all post-surgery care instructions and attend all follow-up appointments with your consultant to ensure your recovery process remains safe and effective.

 

What to expect after laser cataract surgery?

You will be able to go home the same day after laser cataract treatment.

Immediately after surgery you may experience a numb sensation – feeling should return within a few hours of treatment. It is completely normal to have blurred or double vision, grittiness and watery or bloodshot eyes; these side effects will improve within a few days, however the timeframe of your recovery is dependent on your unique case.

 

Precautions to take after laser cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a highly successful treatment and should allow you to return to all your usual activities once you have recovered. However, immediately after treatment there are several do’s and don’ts that you should be aware of in order to effectively protect your eyes, including:

Do 

  • Rest for the first few days – it is essential that you give your eyesight ample time to recover
  • Use any protective equipment as instructed by your consultant – including eyedrops and eye shields if they were prescribed
  • When outside, wear sunglasses if it is bright for the first few weeks
  • You will be able to bathe and shower as usual so long as you ensure water does not get in your eye
  • Be gentle with your eyes post-treatment – however, you will be able to read, use a computer, or watch TV

Don’t

  • Please avoid driving until you can read a number plate at 20m. Directly after your treatment we highly recommend that you organise a lift home; results are not immediate and require a few days for your eyes to recover
  • It is crucial that your body has time to rest and recover. Don’t do any strenuous exercise for a week, after which you can return to most activity such as the gym, tennis and golf
  • Do not rub your eyes, they will be in an extremely fragile state after treatment
  • Avoid wearing eye-makeup for at least 4-weeks after laser cataract treatment
  • Do not fly without confirming that it is safe to do so from your doctor

If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to contact your consultant and wait until you have had the go-ahead. Based on your medical history they will be able to provide the best recommendations to ensure your recovery remains a smooth process.

 

Speak with an eye surgery consultant

Whether you’re considering cataract surgery, or require a different method of lens surgery, we offer a range of corrective treatments for your eyesight. In addition to laser cataract surgery, we also provide a range of surgical lens treatments, including Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)Sulcoflex DUET Lens ExchangeImplantable Contact Lenses, and conventional Cataract Surgery.

We recommend that you speak directly with a consultant to determine the right treatment plan for your requirements.

At LaserVision we operate across the UK in a number of hospital-based clinics. Find your nearest location, or book your appointment with one of our medical consultants today.

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Colin D. profile picture
Colin D.
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I was initially going to write a brief review, but thought it might be beneficial to anyone considering using LaserVision Prema, if I gave a more detailed account of my personal experience? After 10 years of my eyesight gradually deteriorating due to age, wearing glasses became a necessity for all distances, which constantly frustrated me after having had perfect vision for most of my life. I'd heard of lens replacement surgery, so looked deeper into it and due to their positive reviews, settled on LaserVision Prema for an initial consultation to discuss options. From the outset, the experience has been amazing. The staff are friendly, making patients feel very welcome and at ease, there's no pressure to agree to have anything done and any concerns you have will be addressed, including any negative points you may need to consider? During the initial consultation, my eyes were thoroughly examined using a variety of methods and equipment, which gave me confidence the results would be accurate. Following this, I met with Rakesh, who performs the operations, to discuss the different options available based on the results. Fortunately, my eyes were suitable for any of the procedures. Rakesh took the time to make sure I knew exactly what the pros and cons of each lens type were, he also ensured I was aware that although my vision would likely be much better, nothing available at the present time will give me perfect sight back? In the end, I decided to opt for lenses which would improve vision at all distances. On the day of the operation, staff do everything to relax patients, and nothing feels rushed. The whole experience was easy and completely painless, taking approximately 15-20 minutes per eye. Throughout the procedure Rakesh will ensure you're fine. Although you can see enough to walk immediately afterwards, your vision is initially very much reduced, so you won't be able to drive. I'd booked a room in the Travelodge opposite in case I wasn't able to travel after the operation and walked to it without assistance. LaserVision Prema provide you with various eye drops, required to be used several times a day for a couple of months to ensure your eyes properly heal. I used these as prescribed and didn't experience any problems. As the day went on my vision started slowly improving, to the point where I could watch a film on my iPad, without it being too blurry. Later in the evening, I looked out the window and was immediately aware of a massive improvement to my distance vision, being able to see things clearly at distances I previously would have needed glasses for. The only discomfort in the entire process was in the evening after I'd had the operation, my eyes felt like they were gritty and began to water for two or three hours. Although it was quite annoying and noticeable, it was manageable. After a few hours my eyes stopped watering and the grittiness was at the point where I no longer thought about it. Rakesh called me late in the evening, in his own time, to ask how I was getting on and make sure I was ok? This is the level of care LaserVision provide. The morning after the operation, the improvement to my near, intermediate and far distance sight was incredible. This was done in December 2025 and since then, I haven't needed to ever wear glasses again for anything, at any distance - I don't even own a pair now! To give an idea, I can read unaided N4 size words on a reading chart. As Rakesh pointed out, it hasn't given me totally pin sharp eyesight back, but it really isn't far off and seven months later, I'm still amazed at what LaserVision Prema was able to achieve. The operation itself isn't the end of the process, you will also receive an aftercare service of follow up visits to check everything is as expected and to ensure you are happy with your progress. As mentioned, the results in how much your eyesight can be improved differs from person to person. This review is purely to highlight how impressed I am with LaserVision Prema, their professionalism and level of care provided to patients.
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Fab Smith profile picture
Fab Smith
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Tim Ford literally gave me my vision back — life-changing care! For years I’ve struggled with contact lenses, feeling frustrated and limited by my keratoconus. But from the moment I met Tim Ford, everything changed. He didn’t rush; he truly listened to my challenges, understood exactly what I’d been going through, and carefully created a personalised plan that finally works for me. His expertise, patience, and kindness are incredible — he didn’t just treat my eyes, he cared about restoring my quality of life. I can’t believe the difference; it feels like he has truly given me my vision back. If you’re looking for an optometrist who goes above and beyond, especially for complex eye health, Tim is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for everything! 🙏✨
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Nigel Steward
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Excellent professional care.
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Darren Toomer profile picture
Darren Toomer
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I have been delighted with the level of care provided by Rakesh and his team during my eye lens replacement surgery. The results of the surgery have been nothing less than life-changing. I shall always remain extremely grateful to the gift of 20:20 sight given to me.
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Peter Dixon profile picture
Peter Dixon
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Excellent, could not have asked for more.
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ros summers profile picture
ros summers
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Excellent service, very friendly approachable staff. My eye condition was identified quickly & medication prescribed. So pleased I decided to book my initial appointment. Highly recommended
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Janey Power profile picture
Janey Power
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Absolutely incredible service so far. The most attentive staff that greet me by name and make me feel so valued. My Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Rakesh Jayaswal has made everything understandable and couldn’t be a nicer, more relatable gentleman than he is. The professionalism from all staff especially Vicky, Tracey, Jane and Rakesh, has made me feel so secure and I know I’m in safe hands. The lens replacement surgery was a bit strange but painless and over quickly. Now just looking forward to my recovery. My sincere thanks to all involved . It is now 5 months post surgery and I cannot believe the quality of the aftercare that I have received from Vicky and Rakesh. My biggest concern was that after paying for surgery, I would just be left then to get on with things but they have seen me regularly and given me the most incredible service. Nothing was too much trouble and they have checked and checked my vision every step of the way. I have been made to feel like an important guest and their warmth and concern has made me feel so special. For anyone considering Prema, please take my word for the most incredible experience and I can read, see and do jigsaws with NO GLASSES. Words are not enough to thank them for what they have given me. 5 stars are not enough!!!
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Alison Philp profile picture
Alison Philp
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Caring, empathetic staff with a lovely atmosphere in the clinic. The time taken to make sure I was happy with the treatment was never rushed & the whole procedure was so much more relaxed than I would have thought possible. Amazing.
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Robert James profile picture
Robert James
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Very well looked after by Mr Tapper at his Nuffield Woking clinic today, following a capsulotomy by him 6 weeks ago. I now have greatly improved vision in the affected eye. The LaserVision support team are also excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend this clinic to others.
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Lynette Marshall profile picture
Lynette Marshall
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If you are nervous about eye surgery, I highly recommend LaserVision Prema in Portsmouth. They looked after me so well from start to finish. Mr. Rakesh Jayaswal is a true gentleman whose calm manner and precision made me feel completely comfortable. The team is professional, kind, and happy to answer any questions. A five-star experience!
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