Laser Vision

Dos and Don’ts After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, restoring vision and improving everyday quality of life. 

Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume light normal activities within a few days. 

However, the healing process varies, and following the right aftercare is essential for smooth recovery and to prevent infection.

Understanding the dos and don’ts after cataract surgery is important for your recovery. 

Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions, including how to use your prescribed eye drops, when to attend your follow-up appointment, and what activities to avoid.

Click here or call 0808 304 5174 to speak to Laser Vision about cataract surgery recovery.

 

The Key Dos After Cataract Surgery

Following these steps will help protect your healing eye and support a successful recovery process:

  • Use your prescribed eye drops – These may include anti-inflammatory eye drops and lubricant eye drops to reduce swelling, soothe irritation, and help your eyes heal. 

Always use them from a sterile bottle and follow the dosage schedule provided.

  • Wear your protective eye shield – A plastic eye shield or smooth barrier is typically worn for at least a week, especially while sleeping, to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on the operated eye.
  • Keep your eye clean – If necessary, gently wipe around the eye using gauze or cotton wool dampened with cooled boiled water. This keeps the area clear of discharge without disrupting the healing tissue.
  • Attend your post-operative appointment – This follow-up appointment allows your surgeon to check that the recovery period is progressing well and that your new lens is settling correctly.
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors – A good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses helps shield your sensitive eye from sunlight and wind.
  • Take it easy for the first few weeks – Avoid strenuous activity or strenuous exercise that could increase pressure in your eye.

 Most patients can return to work or watch TV after a few hours, but should take time to heal fully.

Post-cataract surgery, it is vital to follow the do’s to recover properly. 

A protective shield to ensure you avoid rubbing while your eyes heal, or protective eyewear when going out, will prove invaluable.

 

The Don’ts After Cataract Surgery

Avoiding certain actions during the first week or first few weeks helps prevent complications and ensures your eyes fully heal.

  • Don’t rub your eye – avoid touching or rubbing the eye, as it may introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
  • Don’t wear contact lenses – Until your surgeon confirms it’s safe, avoid using contact lenses to reduce irritation, wear glasses instead.
  • Don’t use eye makeup – Avoid eye makeup or lid scrubs for at least a week, as cosmetics can carry bacteria and interfere with healing.
  • Don’t swim or use a hot tub – Stay away from swimming pools, warm water, or hot tubs until cleared by your doctor.
  • Don’t bend or lift heavy items – This could strain the eye and delay recovery.
  • Don’t resume driving immediately – You must meet the legal requirements for vision and can read a number plate clearly before taking on what is a strenuous activity for your eyes.

By respecting these don’ts after cataract surgery, you’ll reduce your risk of serious complications and enjoy a smoother recovery.

 

What to Expect in the Recovery Period

Most patients find the procedure to be pain-free, performed under a local anaesthetic using a small incision. 

The eye may feel slightly gritty or sensitive for a few days, but this typically improves quickly. 

Within a few weeks, your vision will feel normal, and your new glasses or reading glasses can be prescribed once the healing is complete.

Following these dos and don’ts after cataract surgery ensures you enjoy clear vision, comfort, and confidence in your new lens for years to come.

If you need further advice about cataract surgery recovery, the plastic shield or why you need to avoid washing your eyes, or simply want to talk about other treatments we offer at Laser Vision, then click here or call 0808 304 5174 today!

 

Dos and Don’ts After Cataract Surgery

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Christine Harrison Harrison profile picture
Christine Harrison Harrison
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Always take care, explain eye conditions in a way that's easy to understand, never feel rushed.
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Hyde The Darker Side profile picture
Hyde The Darker Side
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Rakesh and his team performed marvels with lens replacement surgery for both of my eyes. Operations were painless and quick. Recovery time was excellent too. Support throughout was second to none. Having reached the limit of what contact lenses could do for me, this surgery has been a blessing. Wish I'd done it years ago. Little things like showering with full vision, being able to see my face when applying for a new passport and having to get my face in that damned oval to get the picture. Not having to cram myself into an aircraft toilet to take our and put in my contacts on long haul flights. Having the roof down in my car and not have a lens fly out. Having a nap without my eyes turning red. Being in the rain and not having to carefully blink so as not to loose a contact lens. Constant clear vision. So many little things in daily life that become easier.
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RICHARD PRINCE
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Thank you Prema 👍😊
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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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