Cataract surgery...how long does it take to heal?

[rsdsharp]

19. I think different doctors deal with recovery in slightly different ways.

My ophthalmologist couldn’t do mine, because my eyes don’t dilate beyond 2mm. I was referred to a surgeon at a university hospital because of the risk of the iris tearing during surgery. Fortunately, that didn’t happen.

You will need someone to drive home after surgery. For a time the day after, my vision in the affected eye was cloudy, but that cleared up quickly. My sight was pretty much normal within a couple of days.

For the first week, I slept elevated, with an eye shield. I could shower, but had to avoid direct spray to the eye, and gently pat it dry. I was also advised not to bend over for that week.

I found that the drops were the worst thing. Four weeks, starting four times a day, then tapering to three, two and one in subsequent weeks. I also had a different set beginning the second week, because I’m diabetic. The interaction of the two made my eyelids itch terribly.

All, in all, it was easy, and the recovery very quick. If you will need glasses afterwards, you’ll need to wait 6-8 weeks to make sure the healing is complete. I have new glasses, but rarely wear them; this after being terribly near sighted my whole life. Good luck.