Most people see better within a day or two of cataract surgery, and the eye heals fully over about a month. This guide covers what to expect and how to look after your eye. Your own doctor's instructions come first.
Contact us the same day (or go to an eye emergency) if you have:
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Go home and rest. Keep the shield or pad on as advised. You can walk around, eat normally and watch TV. Start drops as instructed (often from the evening or next morning). |
| Day 1 (check-up) | Your eye is examined. Start or continue all drops exactly as written. Wear the shield at night for the first week. |
| Week 1 | Clean the lids gently with boiled, cooled water and clean cotton. No water, soap or shampoo in the eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing the eye, dusty or smoky places, and heavy lifting or bending low with the head down. |
| Weeks 2–4 | Continue the drop taper. Most normal activities are fine. Avoid swimming and eye make-up until your doctor agrees. |
| 4–6 weeks | Final check-up and new glasses prescription, if needed. Your vision is now stable. |
| Activity | Usually fine from |
|---|---|
| TV, phone, reading | The same day, as comfortable |
| Walking, light housework | The next day |
| Bathing below the neck | The next day |
| Washing hair | After 3–4 days, with the head tilted back and the eye closed (or at a salon basin) |
| Cooking | After a few days; avoid steam and smoke near the eye in week one |
| Prayer with bowing or prostration | Best avoided for about one week; sit for prayers in the meantime, if your faith allows |
| Desk work | 2–3 days |
| Heavy or dusty work | 1–2 weeks |
| Driving | When your vision is clear enough and your doctor agrees, often after the first week |
| Flying | Usually after the day-1 check-up |
| Swimming | After about 4 weeks |
| Eye make-up | After 2–4 weeks (use new products) |
You will usually have an antibiotic drop and a steroid (anti-inflammatory) drop that is reduced week by week. Use our eye drop timetable maker to print a chart, and see how to put eye drops. Do not stop the drops early.
Related: cataract surgery, cataract surgery FAQ, before surgery.
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Where healthy eyes and confident smiles come together.
Eye care by an AIIMS-trained ophthalmologist; dental care by an MDS endodontist — both dedicated specialists in their respective fields.
Dr. Dhaval Patel brings 15+ years of clinical experience since starting his ophthalmology residency at AIIMS, New Delhi in 2011.
Our staff communicates comfortably in both Gujarati and English, so every step of your visit — from reception to aftercare instructions — is easy to follow.
Dr Dhaval Patel has conducted many eye camps in Africa and visits yearly for the same.