Thanks to advances in eye care technology, cataract surgery today is more precise and efficient than ever before. If cataracts are affecting your vision, you may be wondering what the recovery process looks like and how soon you can get back to daily life. Understanding the healing timeline can help you feel more confident moving forward.

While most cataract surgery recoveries follow a predictable timeline, individual healing can vary based on several factors. Your overall eye health, the presence of other eye conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, and how closely you follow post-operative instructions can all influence how quickly your eye heals. Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments is also essential, as these visits allow your eye doctor to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.

Cataract surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. The surgery itself usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Within the first 24 hours, it’s normal to experience:

• Mild blurry or hazy vision

• Light sensitivity

• Slight irritation or a gritty sensation

​​​​​​​Most patients notice vision improvement as early as the next day. You’ll be asked to wear a protective eye shield while sleeping and use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

During the first few days after surgery, your eye continues to heal rapidly. Vision often becomes clearer and brighter as swelling decreases and your eye adjusts to the new intraocular lens (IOL).

​​​​​​​During this time, patients are usually advised to:

• Avoid rubbing the eye

• Skip heavy lifting or strenuous exercise

• Avoid swimming or hot tubs

• Continue using prescribed eye drops

Many people return to normal daily activities within a few days.