Micro-incision cataract surgery usually takes less than 10 minutes. After surgery, most people feel little or no pain and experience good vision almost immediately.
To ensure that the eye heals properly after surgery, there are a few things patients should consider to minimize cataract surgery recovery time:
- Do not rub or touch your eye. After surgery, you may feel grit in your eye or even feel like you have a grain of sand in your eye. This may result from the very small incisions that have been made. Touching the eye should be avoided because that sensation will eventually stop and soap should not be used near or in the eye.
- Glasses and hat. It is recommended to wear sunglasses and a hat to protect the eye from the sun and any foreign substance that enters the eye.
- Avoid strenuous activities and tasks. The eye needs to rest and not be under pressure. This involves no swimming for two weeks, no heavy lifting for two weeks, and no strenuous exercise for 1 month.
- Don't lean over. The amount of bending should be limited to minimize strain on the eye. If possible, avoid sneezing or vomiting immediately after cataract surgery.
- Follow the specialist's instructions to the letter. It is recommended that you follow your surgeon's instructions regarding post-surgery eye care, medications, eye drops, shield use, and any other important factors.
- Attend post-surgery check-ups. Postoperative monitoring is very important to ensure that the eye heals properly.
Recovery time after cataract surgery will vary depending on the circumstances of each patient.
El Dr. José Alberto Muiños Gómez-Camacho, medical director of Innova Ocular Muiños Clinic, explains in this video if the patient can go to the beach after the intervention.
