What Is The Recovery Like Following Cataract Surgery, And What Might Happen If I Rub My Eyes Too Soon After Surgery?

Aug. 24, 2009— -- Question: What is the recovery like following cataract surgery, and what might happen if I rub my eyes too soon after surgery?

Answer: There is no real recovery period in the sense that a patient is incapacitated or bedridden, as was the case, say, 20 years ago when cataracts were operated on. Nowadays patients are encouraged to enjoy regular activities. In general we tell patients to avoid heavy lifting, bending, swimming, vigorous activities, but regular household activities are perfectly permissible. Eye drops, typically anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops, are used several times a day for the first few weeks following surgery. Rubbing the eye is discouraged, but it's unlikely that rubbing will cause any problem with healing or with positioning of the lens.