Discharge Instructions for Cataract Surgery

A surgeon has removed the cloudy lens in your eye and replaced it with a clear manufactured lens. Be sure to have an adult family member or friend drive you home after surgery. Here's what you can expect after surgery, and some tips for a healthy recovery.

After surgery, it's normal to have:

• Bruised or bloodshot eye for 7 days.
• Mild floaters.
• Itching and mild pain for several days.
• Sensitivity to light.
• A scratchy, sandy feeling in the eye for several days.
• Tiredness, especially during the first 24 hours.

• Don't drive for 2 days or as instructed by your eye doctor.
• Don't drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
• Don't bend at the waist to pick up objects or lift anything heavy for 1 to 2 weeks.
• Relax for the first 24 hours after surgery. Watching TV and reading are okay and won't harm your eye.

• Don't rub or press on your eye.
• If instructed, wear a bandage over your eye for 2 days and 2 nights.
• If instructed, wear a shield while you sleep to protect your eye for 1 week .
• While you're healing, your eye health and vision will be watched. Ask your doctor how often you will need to be seen.
• After your eyes have fully healed, your eye doctor can evaluate if you need eyeglasses or contact lenses.

You may be given special eye drops or ointment. Here is one way to use eye drops:

• Wash your hands before and after using the drops.
• Tilt your head back.
• Pull your bottom eyelid down.
• Squeeze 1 drop into your eye. Don't touch your eye with the bottle tip.
• Close your eyes for a few seconds.
• If you need more than 1 drop, wait at least 5 minutes before adding the next one.

Call your eye doctor if you have:

• Bleeding or discharge from the eye.
• Your vision suddenly gets worse.
• Flashes of light or a lot of new floaters.
• Pain that doesn't improve with the pain medicine that is advised for you.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Chills or fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.