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Cataract surgery
Before you leave the outpatient center, you will receive the immediate eye care that is needed after surgery. The surgeon reviews the symptoms of possible complications, eye protection, activities, medicines, required visits (see below), and what to do for emergency care if needed. Portions of the follow-up may be done by another health professional, such as an optometrist or community health nurse.
The eye that was operated on may be bandaged for one night after surgery. You will wear a protective shield over the eye at night for about a week. There is normally no significant pain after surgery.
You most likely will need to see the doctor for checkups 1 or 2 days after surgery, and again within a few weeks after surgery. If any complications occur, visits should be sooner and more frequent.
Checkups following cataract surgery include:
- Ophthalmoscopy, to evaluate the inside of the eye.
- Measurement of visual acuity and eye pressure (tonometry).
- A slit lamp exam, to check for lens clarity.
Most people get a new eyeglass prescription about 6 weeks after surgery.
Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any signs of complications following cataract surgery, such as:
- Decreasing vision.
- Increasing pain.
- Increasing redness.
- Swelling around the eye.
- Any discharge from the eye.
- Any new floaters, flashes of light, or changes in your field of vision.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: September 29, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Christopher J. Rudnisky - Ophthalmology | |
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