Laser Vision

Food Not to Eat After Cataract Surgery

Food Not to Eat After Cataract Surgery

Knowing the foods not to eat after cataract surgery, one of the most common and successful eye procedures, restoring clear vision for millions of patients every year, is very important for recovery. 

While the surgery itself is quick and virtually painless, your recovery depends on following the right aftercare guidance – including being mindful of what you eat. 

Certain foods and drinks can slow down the healing process, increase inflammation, or even affect your overall eye health. 

Knowing what to avoid after cataract surgery helps ensure the best outcome for your vision.

At Laser Vision, we are ready to help with questions you need answers to about both cataract surgery and post-treatment aftercare, including an understanding of foods not to eat. 

Click here or call 0808 304 5174 today!

 

Why Diet Matters After Cataract Surgery

After surgery, your eyes need time to heal, and your body benefits from a diet that supports recovery.

Nutrient-rich foods can reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and keep your immune system strong.

On the other hand, some foods and drinks may cause spikes in blood sugar, increase blood pressure, or raise the risk of infection – all of which could interfere with your recovery. 

Understanding which foods to avoid is just as important as knowing which ones to include.

 

Foods to Avoid After Cataract Surgery

Here are the main categories of foods and drinks patients should avoid during their cataract surgery recovery:

  • Sugary foods and refined carbs – cakes, sweets, and processed white bread can raise blood sugar levels, slowing healing and potentially increasing the risk of infection.
  • Fried and fatty foods – excessive fried food, fast food, and trans fats may increase inflammation in the body, which can delay recovery.
  • Salty foods – too much salt can raise blood pressure and may cause fluid retention, which is not ideal during the healing process.
  • Alcohol – alcohol can dehydrate the body, interact with prescribed medications, and impair healing.
  • Highly processed foods – ready meals, crisps, and packaged snacks often lack essential nutrients that support recovery.

Getting the right advice from a trained specialist is very important post-treatment.

It is no shock that eating healthily is important for recovery.

 Food and alcohol consumption, greasy foods, and substances high in fat will naturally have a negative impact on your healing process. 

 

What You Should Eat Instead

While avoiding certain foods is important, patients can actively support their recovery by including a balanced diet rich in:

  • Leafy greens such as spinach and kale contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential for eye health
  • Lean protein sources like fish, chicken, and legumes to promote tissue repair
  • Whole grains for steady energy and improved overall health
  • Plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and support healing

If unsure about your choice of food, asking your surgeon for advice would help. 

Foods like salmon, brown rice, quinoa, tofu, eggs, almonds, and beans, plus similar foods, are helpful. 

Also, avoid dehydration and choose the right types of meats during the recovery process. 

 

The Benefits of Following Dietary Guidance

By avoiding foods that may cause complications and focusing on nourishing alternatives, patients recovering from cataract surgery can experience:

  • Faster healing times
  • Reduced risk of infection and inflammation
  • Better long-term eye health
  • Improved overall well-being

Recovering from cataract surgery is generally smooth and straightforward, but small lifestyle choices – including diet – can make a big difference. 

Avoiding sugary, processed, and inflammatory foods is a simple step patients can take to protect their eyes and ensure the best possible outcome.

At Laser Vision, we aim to provide patients not only with advanced surgical care but also with practical aftercare information that helps them feel confident and informed throughout the recovery journey

Contact Laser Vision by clicking here or calling 0808 304 5174 for any help you need.

 

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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
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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
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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
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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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