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6th November, 2025
Read moreA guide to recovery after Cataract Treatment
6th November, 2025
If you’re wondering how long it takes to recover from a cataract operation, then you’re in the right place. We’ve put this guide together to walk you through what you might expect, how to look after yourself, and what you should look out for after your cataract surgery.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are a common eye condition that typically develops slowly as you age. They impact your vision and cause the lens in your eye to become cloudy, making it seem like you’re looking through a frosty window. Cataracts can also create glare or haloes around lights, which means you may struggle to see your surroundings clearly. Surgery is the only treatment available for cataracts, and it can greatly improve your vision.
What happens during Cataract Surgery?
The eye’s cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one called an intraocular lens. The procedure is usually short and only takes around 15 minutes to complete. Most cataract operations are carried out under a local anaesthetic, and you’ll be awake for the procedure. You may be able to see some movement around your eye, but the surgery is pain-free. We know this might sound unnerving, but our theatre teams will be there to ensure you feel comfortable throughout.
What to expect in the first 48 hours
These side effects are usually normal, but it’s a good idea to make your consultant aware that you’re experiencing them.
Blurred or double vision
It’s common for patients to experience blurry vision as their eye heals and adjusts to the new lens. This blurriness is normally temporary and can last from a few days to a week or two after cataract surgery. Some patients may experience double vision, which isn’t as common as blurry vision, but should also subside within a few days to a few weeks.
Sensitivity to light
Light sensitivity is another common side effect of cataract treatment, and colours can sometimes seem brighter than usual.
Watery eyes
Your eyes may naturally become watery after the procedure, especially for those experiencing dry eye syndrome, which is common after cataract surgery.
Red or gritty eyes
Having red or gritty eyes that appear bloodshot might be alarming, but this is another normal side effect that you may experience after cataract surgery. This should fade within a few days or a few weeks.
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How long does recovery take after Cataract Treatment?
Most patients recover quickly after cataract treatment and are able to continue daily activities within a few days or a week. Full cataract recovery time can vary from person to person, but can sometimes take up to around six weeks for some patients. After your cataract surgery, we’ll organise the necessary follow-up appointments with your consultant or preferred optician to make sure your vision is clear and that your cataract recovery is on track.
What to do after receiving Cataract Surgery
Take prescribed eye drops
Your consultant will prescribe eye drops, and you’ll need to use these for around three to four weeks after your cataract surgery. We’ll make sure you know how and when to use the eye drops before you go home.
Use sunglasses where applicable
After cataract surgery, a common side effect is light sensitivity. By wearing dark sunglasses throughout the healing process, you can protect your eyes from bright light and reduce glare. Doing so can also help your eye heal and adjust to your new lens. Explore the outcome of the different lenses on our cataract lens simulator.
Use your eye shield at night
Wearing an eye shield protects your eye from any accidental damage or infection during the healing stage. When sleeping, you could accidentally rub your eye and harm it, but an eye shield protects it from this.
Avoid rubbing or touching the eye
Rubbing your eyes excessively can lead to complications, hinder the healing process, and increase the risk of infection.
Reduce activities that strain eyes
Your consultant will give you advice on this, so you’re aware of what to avoid for the first few days. Make sure to ask them if you’re unsure about a specific activity you have in mind. Strenuous activities and exercise, such as running and housework, should be avoided. If you swim, this should also be avoided for at least two weeks, and goggles should be worn for the first month to prevent eye infections.
Lifestyle restrictions
When can I drive after Cataract Surgery?
You can go home on the same day as your cataract surgery, but you won’t be able to drive yourself home. How soon you can drive after cataract surgery can vary from person to person. It’s important not to drive until your vision is clear, and you should wait until your consultant gives you the all-clear to do so.
Can I work a screen-heavy job after receiving Cataract Treatment?
If your job involves using a computer, you may be able to start work again within a few days. It’s important to take frequent breaks away from the computer to rest your eyes and use lubricant eye drops if needed.
How does diet & hydration play into recovery?
Staying hydrated after cataract surgery helps to keep your eyes moisturised. This can prevent dryness and also support the healing process. As well as drinking water, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet is important too.
Complications to watch out for
The vast majority of patients won’t experience any complications, but as with all surgery, there are some risks of complications. Our team will discuss these with you in detail during your appointment and will make sure you’re happy to go ahead with the treatment.
Blurry vision
Blurry vision is often a temporary common side effect of cataract treatment, which is completely normal. However, it can also be an indicator of other serious issues if it persists or worsens, like retinal detachment or an infection.
Symptoms of infection
Severe pain, swelling of the eyelids, worsening vision, and increasing redness are some of the indicators that you may have an infection after cataract surgery. Infections after cataract surgery are very rare and should be treated as an emergency.
Posterior Capsular Opacification
If you experience blurry vision that doesn’t go away or occurs after a period of time after surgery (such as after two years), this could be an indicator of posterior capsular opacification. This is a common complication of cataract surgery, and it’s easy to treat with a procedure known as YAG laser capsulotomy.
Patient Testimonial | Cataract Surgery at Newmedica Manchester
"cataract surgery was something I was dreading. Mr Bhamy made it easy and reassuring for me. The staff were wonderful, professional and friendly. The outcome was better than I ever expected"
Patient Testimonial | Cataract Surgery at Newmedica Worcester
"I recently visited Newmedica, Worcester for an assignment after which they offered me next day surgery as they'd had a cancellation. I found all the staff right from reception to nursing to doctors, were warm, welcoming and excellent, each and every staff member I met at Worcester were absolutely wonderful, from the moment I arrived to the moment they discharged me. I can't recommend them highly enough. The waiting room was pleasant, there was thoughtful touches such as complementary drinks available, the clinic is modern and clean. If anyone needs cataract surgery like I had go to Newmedica Worcester."
Choosing Newmedica for Cataract Surgery
We’ll give you a warm welcome when you walk through our doors, hold your hand if you’re feeling nervous, and be there for you throughout your time with us. We understand that being diagnosed with an eye condition, like cataracts, can feel scary, but our personalised patient care will help you feel comfortable and at ease when you visit us. Our team will be dedicated to understanding your needs so that they can provide you with the best possible experience, and we also know that this results in measurably better outcomes.
At Newmedica, we choose to use the highest quality lenses to get the best clinical outcomes for our patients, including some that can reduce how dependent you are on glasses. Our short waiting times mean you’ll have your first appointment within a couple of weeks, and we aim to complete cataract treatment within eight weeks of your referral.