Patient Information Handout
What to Expect: Cataract Surgery Recovery
Recovery from cataract surgery is usually quick and straightforward. This handout explains what is normal, what to do, and when to contact us. Please keep it handy for the first two weeks after surgery.
Seek urgent help immediately if you experience:
- Sudden significant loss of vision in the operated eye
- Severe, worsening pain that does not settle with paracetamol
- Increasing redness and/or a yellow or green discharge
- Flashes of light or a sudden shower of floaters
Call us: 03 9466 8822
After hours: Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital — (03) 9929 8666
Eye Drops After Surgery
Eye drops are essential for healing and preventing infection. You will be given specific drops with individual instructions. The general schedule is:
| Drop type | Purpose | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic drops | Prevent infection | 1 week |
| Anti-inflammatory drops | Reduce swelling, improve healing | 4–6 weeks (tapering) |
| Lubricating drops | Comfort, reduce dryness | As needed |
Wait at least 5 minutes between different drops. Do not skip doses. If you run out, call us immediately — do not wait until your next appointment.
Recovery Timeline
- •Vision may be blurry, hazy, or have a slight blue/bright tint — this is normal
- •Wear the plastic eye shield provided, especially when sleeping
- •Rest at home — light activity (TV, reading) is fine
- •You may notice mild grittiness or mild light sensitivity
- •Vision usually improves significantly — colours may appear brighter
- •Continue eye drops as prescribed
- •You can shower, but do not let water run directly into the eye
- •Gentle walking is fine; avoid swimming, dusty environments, and eye makeup
- •You may read, use screens, and watch TV
- •Most patients can return to light desk work and driving (once vision meets legal requirements)
- •Avoid heavy lifting, straining, or bending below waist level
- •Do not rub your eye
- •Continue drops until told to stop
- •Vision should be stable — your optometrist can update your glasses prescription
- •Return to all normal activities including swimming (with goggles)
- •Final review with your surgeon
Normal vs. Concerning Symptoms
Normal — no action needed
- • Mild grittiness or scratchiness
- • Mild light sensitivity
- • Watery eye
- • Slight blurring in first 1–3 days
- • Mild arc of light at edge of vision
- • Colours appearing brighter or bluer
- • Small floaters that have always been there
Concerning — call us today
- • Increasing pain or discomfort
- • Increasing redness (not improving)
- • Yellow or green discharge
- • Sudden vision loss at any point
- • New sudden onset floaters or flashes
- • Vision deteriorating after initial improvement
- • Swelling around the eye
Driving After Cataract Surgery
You cannot drive on the day of surgery. Most patients can return to driving within a few days once vision in the operated eye meets the legal standard for driving in Victoria (visual acuity of 6/12 or better, adequate visual field).
If you have had surgery on both eyes at different times, you should be able to drive once the second eye has been treated and vision is adequate in both eyes. Your surgeon will confirm when it is safe for you to drive at your follow-up appointment.
Follow-up Appointments
You will have at least two follow-up appointments after cataract surgery:
- Day 1: A check-in with our rooms — this may be a phone call to confirm you are comfortable and your vision is improving.
- Week 1–2: Surgeon review — discuss drop weaning, vision, any concerns
- Week 4–6: Review with your optometrist for a new glasses prescription once vision has stabilised
Do not miss these appointments even if your eye feels fine — some complications are visible only on examination.
Northern Eye Consultants
Suite 5, Northpark Hospital Consulting Rooms, 135 Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC 3083
Phone: 03 9466 8822 | After hours: RVEEH (03) 9929 8666 | Email: desk@northeye.com.au
More information: northerneyeconsultants.com.au/services/cataract-surgery