When cataracts progress and seriously disrupt your vision so everything looks faded and fuzzy, cataract surgery offers effective treatment to restore clear vision.
If you’re ready to join the approximately 8.5 million people in the United States who undergo cataract removal surgery each year, it’s helpful to learn what to expect afterwards. Our eye doctor in Wyckoff and Woodcliff Lake explains all the basic steps of recovery:
- Cataract surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure. Typically, the procedure itself takes less than 30 minutes, but you’ll need to stay at the eye clinic for about two to three hours.
- After the procedure, eye drops will be inserted and your eye may be covered with a bandage or shield to wear for about a day.
- You will not be able to drive yourself home; be sure to arrange a ride.
- At home, you’ll need to apply eye drops several times per day (usually for a few weeks) as treatments to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
- It’s recommended to wear an eye shield while sleeping during the first week after cataract surgery. Sunglasses should be worn outdoors.
- Most sedentary activities are permitted by that night. Driving isn’t allowed until your eye doctor checks your vision on the next day.
- You may experience ocular discomfort, such as watering, grittiness, itching, bloodshot eyes, blurry or double vision. Don’t rub or push on your eye!
- Blurry vision is normal for the first few days. Then, it should sharpen and colors will appear crisper and brighter than before.
- On the day after cataract removal, you’ll need to visit your eye doctor for the first postoperative visit. Future follow-up eye exams are generally scheduled at our eye clinics in Wyckoff and Woodcliff Lake at one week, one month, two months and six months later.
- Complete healing takes about eight weeks, and your final vision prescription should be set about three months afterwards.
At James Tracey Eye Care, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 646-916-4588 or book an appointment online to see one of our Midtown eye doctors.
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