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Pre and Post-Operative Care Of Cataract Surgery

Understand the essential pre and post-operative care of cataract surgery to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal vision results. Learn expert tips for healing, eye protection, and follow-up care.

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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025

Introduction

Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure that helps restore clear vision by removing the cloudy lens (cataract) and replacing it with an artificial one. Whether you or a loved one are preparing for this surgery, understanding the pre-operative and post-operative care can make the process smoother and recovery faster.

What is Cataract Surgery?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colours. Cataract surgery involves removing this cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL). The procedure is quick, usually taking about 15-30 minutes, and is performed under local anaesthesia.

Pre-Operative Care: Preparing for Surgery

Proper preparation before cataract surgery ensures a smooth procedure and reduces risks. Here’s what you should do:

1. Medical Evaluation & Tests

  • Your doctor will conduct an eye examination to assess the cataract’s severity.

  • Measurements of your eye will be taken to determine the correct intraocular lens (IOL) power.

  • You may need additional tests like corneal topography or optical biometry for precise lens selection.

2. Discuss Medications

Inform your doctor about any medications you take, especially blood thinners (like aspirin or warfarin), as they may need to be paused before surgery.

If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ensure they are well-controlled before surgery.

3. Eye Drops Before Surgery

You may be prescribed antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops a few days before surgery to prevent infection.

4. Fasting Before Surgery

Your doctor may advise not eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is used.

5. Arrange Transportation

Since your vision may be blurry immediately after surgery, avoid driving and arrange for someone to take you home.

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. S Venkateswaran, Ophthalmologist

Dr. S Venkateswaran

Ophthalmologist

35 Years • MBBS, PGD (OPTHALMOLOGY)

Tiruvannamalai

Shiva Eye And General Hospital, Tiruvannamalai

recommendation

81%

(25+ Patients)

625

500

Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Rajeev Gupta

Ophthalmologist

24 Years • MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology)

Ghaziabad

Om Eye & Gynae Centre, Ghaziabad

750

500

Dr. Anupa Gulati, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Anupa Gulati

Ophthalmologist

25 Years • MBBS, Dip in Ophthalmology

New Delhi

Visitech Eye Centre Green Park, New Delhi

1200

1200

Dr. Vyankatesh Pharande, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Vyankatesh Pharande

Ophthalmologist

25 Years • MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology )

Pune

PHARANDE EYE HOSPITAL & PHACO CENTER, Pune

500

Post-Operative Care: Ensuring a Smooth Recovery

After cataract surgery, proper care is essential for healing and preventing complications. Follow these guidelines:

1. Use Prescribed Eye Drops

  • You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce swelling.

  • Follow the exact schedule recommended by your doctor.

2. Protect Your Eye

  • Wear the protective eye shield (especially while sleeping) for the first few days to avoid accidental rubbing.

  • Avoid dust, wind, and water (like swimming) for at least a week.

3. Avoid Strenuous Activities

  • Do not bend over, lift heavy objects, or strain for the first few weeks.

  • Avoid rubbing or pressing your eye.

4. Watch for Warning Signs

While complications are rare, contact your doctor immediately if you notice:

  • Severe pain (mild discomfort is normal)

  • Sudden vision loss

  • Increased redness or swelling

  • Flashes of light or floating spots (could indicate retinal detachment)

5. Gradual Return to Normal Activities

  • Most people notice improved vision within a few days, but full recovery may take 4-6 weeks.

  • You can resume light activities like reading and watching TV soon after surgery.

  • Wait for your doctor’s approval before driving, exercising, or wearing eye makeup.

Lifestyle & Dietary Tips for Faster Recovery

A healthy lifestyle supports healing and better vision after cataract surgery:

  • Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Include foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits), vitamin E (nuts), and omega-3 (fish) to promote eye health.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes moist.

  • Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses when outdoors.

  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking slows healing and increases infection risks.

When to Follow Up with Your Doctor?

You will have follow-up visits (usually after 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month) to monitor healing. If you experience any discomfort or vision changes, contact your doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to restore clear vision. By following pre-operative and post-operative care instructions, you can ensure a smooth recovery and enjoy better eyesight. If you or a loved one are considering cataract surgery, Apollo 24|7 offers expert consultations and seamless scheduling for tests and procedures. Book an appointment today to take the first step toward clearer vision!

Consult Top Eye Surgeon

Dr. S Venkateswaran, Ophthalmologist

Dr. S Venkateswaran

Ophthalmologist

35 Years • MBBS, PGD (OPTHALMOLOGY)

Tiruvannamalai

Shiva Eye And General Hospital, Tiruvannamalai

recommendation

81%

(25+ Patients)

625

500

Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Rajeev Gupta

Ophthalmologist

24 Years • MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology)

Ghaziabad

Om Eye & Gynae Centre, Ghaziabad

750

500

Dr. Anupa Gulati, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Anupa Gulati

Ophthalmologist

25 Years • MBBS, Dip in Ophthalmology

New Delhi

Visitech Eye Centre Green Park, New Delhi

1200

1200

Dr. Vyankatesh Pharande, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Vyankatesh Pharande

Ophthalmologist

25 Years • MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology )

Pune

PHARANDE EYE HOSPITAL & PHACO CENTER, Pune

500

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. Smriti Nagpal, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Smriti Nagpal

Ophthalmologist

13 Years • MBBS , MS (Ophthalmology)

New Delhi

Sunshine mediclinic, New Delhi

875

700

Dr. S Venkateswaran, Ophthalmologist

Dr. S Venkateswaran

Ophthalmologist

35 Years • MBBS, PGD (OPTHALMOLOGY)

Tiruvannamalai

Shiva Eye And General Hospital, Tiruvannamalai

recommendation

81%

(25+ Patients)

625

500

Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Rajeev Gupta

Ophthalmologist

24 Years • MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology)

Ghaziabad

Om Eye & Gynae Centre, Ghaziabad

750

500

Dr. Anupa Gulati, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Anupa Gulati

Ophthalmologist

25 Years • MBBS, Dip in Ophthalmology

New Delhi

Visitech Eye Centre Green Park, New Delhi

1200

1200

Dr. Vyankatesh Pharande, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Vyankatesh Pharande

Ophthalmologist

25 Years • MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology )

Pune

PHARANDE EYE HOSPITAL & PHACO CENTER, Pune

500

Consult Top Eye Surgeon

Dr. Smriti Nagpal, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Smriti Nagpal

Ophthalmologist

13 Years • MBBS , MS (Ophthalmology)

New Delhi

Sunshine mediclinic, New Delhi

875

700

Dr. S Venkateswaran, Ophthalmologist

Dr. S Venkateswaran

Ophthalmologist

35 Years • MBBS, PGD (OPTHALMOLOGY)

Tiruvannamalai

Shiva Eye And General Hospital, Tiruvannamalai

recommendation

81%

(25+ Patients)

625

500

Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Rajeev Gupta

Ophthalmologist

24 Years • MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology)

Ghaziabad

Om Eye & Gynae Centre, Ghaziabad

750

500

Dr. Anupa Gulati, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Anupa Gulati

Ophthalmologist

25 Years • MBBS, Dip in Ophthalmology

New Delhi

Visitech Eye Centre Green Park, New Delhi

1200

1200

Dr. Vyankatesh Pharande, Ophthalmologist

Dr. Vyankatesh Pharande

Ophthalmologist

25 Years • MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology )

Pune

PHARANDE EYE HOSPITAL & PHACO CENTER, Pune

500

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