Discharge Instructions for Cataract Surgery
A surgeon removed the cloudy lens in your eye and replaced it with a clear man-made lens. Be sure to have an adult family member or friend drive you home after surgery. Here’s what you can expect following surgery and tips for a healthy recovery.
What to expect
It is normal to have the following:
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Bruised or bloodshot eye for 7 days
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Itching and mild discomfort for several days
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Some fluid discharge
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Sensitivity to light
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Scratchy, sandlike feeling in the eye for 2 weeks
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Feeling tired, especially during the first 24 hours
Activity level
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Do not drive for 2 days or as instructed by your eye care provider.
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Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
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Avoid bending at the waist to pick up objects or lifting anything heavy for 2 days.
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Relax for the first 24 hours after surgery. Watching TV and reading are OK and won’t harm your eye.
Eye protection
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Do not rub or press on your eye.
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Sleep on your back or on your unoperated side for 2 nights.
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If instructed, wear a bandage over your eye for 2 days and 2 nights.
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If instructed, wear a shield to protect your eye for 2 days and 2 nights.
Using eye drops
You may be given special eye drops or ointment. Here is one way to use eye drops:
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Tilt your head back.
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Pull your bottom eyelid down.
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Squeeze one drop into your eye. Do not touch your eye with the bottle tip.
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Close your eyes for a few seconds.
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If you need more than one drop, wait at least 5 minutes before adding the next one.
Call your eye care provider right away if you have any of the following:
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Bleeding or discharge from the eye
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Sudden worsening of your vision.
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Pain that does not improve with the pain medicine that is recommended for you.
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Nausea or vomiting
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Chills or fever over 100.4°F (39.1°C)