Can You Smoke Cigarettes Before Cataract Surgery?
Wondering if you can smoke before cataract surgery? Learn why it's best to quit beforehand and how smoking affects your eye healing and recovery.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 16th Jul, 2025
Introduction
If you're scheduled for cataract surgery and are a smoker, you may wonder whether smoking before the procedure is safe. The short answer is no—smoking before cataract surgery can negatively impact your recovery and overall eye health. Let’s explore why quitting or reducing smoking before surgery is essential and how it can help ensure a smooth procedure and faster healing.
How Does Smoking Affect Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a common and generally safe procedure that replaces the cloudy lens in your eye with an artificial one. However, smoking before surgery can increase risks and slow down healing. Here’s how:
1. Delayed Healing – Smoking reduces oxygen levels in your blood, which slows tissue repair. After cataract surgery, your eye needs proper blood flow and oxygen to heal efficiently.
2. Increased Risk of Infection – Smoking weakens your immune system, making you more prone to infections, including post-surgical complications like endophthalmitis, a rare but serious eye infection.
3. Dry Eye Syndrome – Smoking can worsen dry eyes, a common issue after cataract surgery. Dryness may lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and slower recovery.
4. Higher Inflammation – Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that increase inflammation in the body, which can prolong swelling and irritation after surgery.
How Long Before Surgery Should You Stop Smoking?
Ideally, you should quit smoking at least 2-4 weeks before cataract surgery to allow your body to recover and improve oxygen circulation. Even reducing smoking can help, but quitting entirely is the best option for optimal healing.
If quitting is challenging, consider speaking with a doctor about nicotine replacement therapy, like patches or gum, or other cessation aids.
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Health Advice
Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Cataract Surgery
Whether you smoke or not, following these steps can help ensure a successful recovery:
Follow Post-Op Instructions – Use prescribed eye drops, avoid rubbing your eyes, and wear protective eyewear as advised.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Nutritious Foods – A diet rich in vitamins, especially A, C, and E, supports eye health. Include leafy greens, citrus fruits, and nuts.
Avoid Smoking & Secondhand Smoke – Continuing to smoke after surgery can delay healing and increase complications.
Rest Your Eyes – Avoid straining your eyes by limiting screen time and heavy lifting for a few days.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments – Regular check-ups ensure your eye is healing properly.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you’re struggling to quit smoking before surgery or have concerns about your eye health, consult an ophthalmologist. They can guide you on the best approach for a safe procedure and recovery.
At Apollo 24|7, you can easily book a consultation with an eye specialist or schedule a pre-surgery evaluation. Taking proactive steps now can help protect your vision and ensure a successful cataract surgery.
Final Thoughts
Smoking before cataract surgery can interfere with healing and increase risks. While quitting may be challenging, even reducing cigarette use can make a difference. Prioritising your eye health by avoiding smoking before and after surgery will help you recover faster and enjoy clearer vision sooner.
If you need support in quitting smoking or preparing for cataract surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Your eyes deserve the best care possible!
Book an eye consultation today on Apollo 24|7 and take the first step toward better vision.
Consult Top Eye Specialists
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Health Advice
Dr. S Venkateswaran
Ophthalmologist
35 Years • MBBS, PGD (OPTHALMOLOGY)
Tiruvannamalai
Shiva Eye And General Hospital, Tiruvannamalai
Dr Rajesh Rastogi
Ophthalmologist
33 Years • MBBS, MS Ophthalmology
New Delhi
Rotary Diabetic Centre, New Delhi
Dr. Akashdipta Saha
Ophthalmologist
4 Years • MBBS, MD(Ophthalmology), Fellowship in Retina & Vitreous
Delhi
AIIMS, Delhi
Dr. Harshavardhan Reddy
Ophthalmologist
3 Years • MBBS , MS (Ophthalmology)
Hyderabad
Ram Dev Rao Hospital, Hyderabad
Dr. Syed Saifullah Bokhari
Ophthalmologist
4 Years • MBBS, MS(Ophthalmology)
Bengaluru
Vasan Eye Care, Bengaluru
Consult Top Eye Specialists
Dr. S Venkateswaran
Ophthalmologist
35 Years • MBBS, PGD (OPTHALMOLOGY)
Tiruvannamalai
Shiva Eye And General Hospital, Tiruvannamalai
Dr Rajesh Rastogi
Ophthalmologist
33 Years • MBBS, MS Ophthalmology
New Delhi
Rotary Diabetic Centre, New Delhi
Dr. Akashdipta Saha
Ophthalmologist
4 Years • MBBS, MD(Ophthalmology), Fellowship in Retina & Vitreous
Delhi
AIIMS, Delhi
Dr. Harshavardhan Reddy
Ophthalmologist
3 Years • MBBS , MS (Ophthalmology)
Hyderabad
Ram Dev Rao Hospital, Hyderabad
Dr. Syed Saifullah Bokhari
Ophthalmologist
4 Years • MBBS, MS(Ophthalmology)
Bengaluru
Vasan Eye Care, Bengaluru
