How to Recover from Eye Surgery

Eye surgery is always important, regardless of the cause. The time it takes for the eye to heal depends on the type of surgery. However, whether it’s cataract, retinal, corneal surgery or any other type of surgery, you must give your eyes time to rest and heal properly.

Table of Contents

Protect eyes

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/82/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/82/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-1- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Avoid getting water in your eyes. You may prefer splashing water on your face because it feels good, but this can cause infection and make your eyes more uncomfortable after surgery. The length of time to avoid getting water into the eye can vary depending on the type of surgery. For example, you should wear eye protection when showering for one week after LASIK (refractive surgery). ^{[1] X Research Source} You need to talk to your doctor for specific instructions.

This is not mandatory for all types of surgery, so you should consult your doctor. For example, a little water in the eye a day after retinal surgery probably won’t matter.
Work gently every time you dry your face.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6a/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6a/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-2- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Adjust your washing routine. Instead of washing your face by splashing water on your face, you should wet a towel and wipe it gently. Showering immediately after surgery can be quite risky because you must avoid getting water in your eyes (except in the case of retinal surgery). Unless authorized by your doctor, it is probably safer to take a bath because the water is only up to your neck. ^{[2] X Research Source} When you want to wash your hair, you should tilt your head back to wet your hair while keeping your face dry.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1d/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1d/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-3- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Avoid using cosmetics around the eyes. ^{[3] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} You should not apply any foreign substances to your face around your eyes without prior approval from your doctor, not only cosmetics but also essential oils and lotions that are usually the day you still apply it on your face. These products cause eye irritation, which can progress to infection and be dangerous.

Of course, you can still use lipstick or lip gloss, but avoid any cosmetics that can get in your eyes.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1f/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1f/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-4- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Protect eyes from direct sunlight. The eye will not be able to adapt quickly to light after surgery. When exposed to bright light, your eyes can be sore and extremely sensitive to light. ^{[4] X Research Sources} therefore, you need to avoid anything that can strain your eyes.

When outdoors during the day, you need to wear sunglasses for as long as your surgeon recommends. This can range from three days to a week, depending on the type of surgery. You should follow your doctor’s instructions.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0c/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0c/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-5- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Wear an eye patch while sleeping. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you wear an eye patch while you sleep for a few days to two weeks after surgery. This is to prevent you from rubbing your eyes while you sleep.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2c/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2c/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-6- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Avoid smoke and dust. ^{[5] X Research Sources} For at least one week after surgery, you should treat any irritants as sources of infection. Wear safety glasses if there is a risk of dust entering the eyes. Smokers should try to stop smoking for at least a week, wear protective eyewear and avoid exposure to smoke as much as possible. ^{[6] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/21/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/21/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-7- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Do not rub your eyes. ^{[7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Your eyes may itch after surgery, but you need to try to resist the rubbing reflex. This action can damage the delicate incision and surface of the eye. Furthermore, bacteria from the hands can spread to the eyes.

Usually your doctor will provide you with eye protection such as gauze or goggles. You can spend on drops prescribed by your doctor. ^{[8] X Research Sources}
Remember to use eye protection for the full length of time as recommended by your doctor. Be careful when sleeping, do not let your eyes be pinched and keep the position as advised by your doctor.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c7/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c7/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-8- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Prevent bacteria. ^{[9] X Source of Study} Wash your hands whenever there is a risk of exposure to bacteria: when outdoors, when going to the bathroom, when commuting, etc. Do not go to crowded places for the first few days after surgery. You can reduce your exposure to germs by staying home.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8c/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8c/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-9- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Contact your surgeon immediately if severe symptoms occur. Tell your doctor about your post-surgery symptoms and follow-up appointments on time to limit possible problems. If you have symptoms that are common after surgery but persist, you should also talk to your doctor. You can record the time when symptoms started to appear. Immediately tell your doctor if you have the following serious symptoms:

With cataract surgery: Increased pain, loss of vision or glare/dark spots flying in front of the eyes. ^{[10] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}
With LASIK: Pain increases or vision decreases for several days after surgery. ^{[11] X Research Source}
With retinal detachment surgery: You may see glare after surgery, but this should gradually disappear. If new flares appear, increased visibility of black spots in front of you, or loss of vision, you should immediately contact your doctor. ^{[12] X Research Source}
With any type of surgery: severe pain, bloody discharge or loss of vision.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b5/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b5/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-10- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Take care of yourself. ^{[13] X Research Source} To stay healthy after surgery, you should adopt a balanced menu of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk and fresh juices. Drink plenty of water to help the wound heal. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink 13 glasses (3 liters) of water, and women drink 9 glasses (2.2 liters) of water per day. ^{[14] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a9/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a9/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-11- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Take vitamin supplements. ^{[15] X Trusted Source American Optometric Association Go to the source} While not a substitute for a balanced diet, a multivitamin can help supplement your diet. In particular, vitamin C can aid in the healing process; vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin protect new tissues from free radicals that are harmful to the body; and vitamin A essential for vision. ^{[16] X Research Source}^{[17] X Research Source}^{[18] X Research Source} The US Food and Drug Administration recommends the following daily vitamin dosage: ^{[19] X Dietary Research Source Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Carotenoids. Institute of Medicine, 2000}

Vitamin C: 90 mg for men; 75 mg for women; plus 35 mg for smokers
Vitamin E: 15 mg of natural vitamin E or 30 mg of synthetic vitamin E
Lutein and Zeaxanthin: 6 mg ^{[20] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c8/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c8/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-12- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Limit your exposure to computer screens. ^{[21] X Research Resources} Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how long you are allowed to be exposed to a computer screen, depending on the nature of your surgery and your recovery. For example, you should not look at any screens after LASIK surgery. Talk to your doctor about how much time to limit your screen time depending on your condition.

Use medicine properly

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3e/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3e/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-13- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use eye drops as directed. Doctors usually prescribe one or two types of eye drops: antibacterial or anti-inflammatory drugs. Antibacterial eye drops to fight infection, anti-inflammatory eye drops to fight inflammation. ^{[22] X Research Source} If you are having trouble taking care of your eyes, ask a friend or family member for help.

Your doctor may also prescribe eye drops that dilate your eyes, such as atropine, to prevent scar formation in the pupil and relieve pain. Your doctor may also prescribe eye drops to help reduce pressure in the eye, especially if gas or oil is injected into the eye during surgery.

Back to normal life

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3b/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-17-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3b/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-17- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-17-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Engage in light activities. ^{[26] X Research Source} You may be able to do light exercise when you go home from surgery. However, strenuous activities such as weight training, jogging, cycling or swimming should be avoided as directed by your doctor. Weight training and stretching increase pressure in the eyes. This pressure can slow healing and even damage healing tissue. ^{[27] X Research Source}

Ask others for help when doing heavy work. Your friends and family will be more than happy to help and will be delighted as you recover.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e7/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-18-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from- Eye-Surgery-Step-18-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e7/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-18- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-18-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Drill sexual activity. ^{[28] X Research Source} Just like with exercise, you should wait until you return to sexual activity. Any kind of physical exertion can cause pressure in the eye, slowing the healing process. You can ask your surgeon when you can return to such behaviors.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6e/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-19.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery- Step-19.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6e/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-19.jpg/v4-728px-Recover- from-Eye-Surgery-Step-19.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Do not drive immediately after surgery. ^{[29] X Research Source} Blurred vision after surgery can be dangerous while driving. You should avoid driving until your vision has recovered or when approved by your doctor. In general, you can start driving again when your eyes can focus and are no longer sensitive to light.

Make sure someone takes you home after surgery.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/cb/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-20.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery- Step-20.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cb/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-20.jpg/v4-728px-Recover- from-Eye-Surgery-Step-20.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Ask your doctor when you can return to work. ^{[30] X Source of Study} It should be recalled that the recovery time depends on the type of surgery and the individual’s ability to recover. Some types of surgery require up to 6 weeks to recover. In contrast, cataract surgery only requires a recovery time of about a week. ^{[31] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/59/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-21.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery- Step-21.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/59/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-21.jpg/v4-728px-Recover- from-Eye-Surgery-Step-21.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Abstain from alcoholic beverages while waiting for recovery. ^{[32] X Research Source} A glass of wine to elevate your mood may not sound like a bad thing, but alcohol actually increases the body’s tendency to build up fluid. ^{[33] X Research Source} Fluid buildup in the eye can also increase pressure on the eye. This will slow down the healing process or cause further damage to the eye.

Recovering from eye surgeries

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5e/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-22.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery- Step-22.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5e/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-22.jpg/v4-728px-Recover- from-Eye-Surgery-Step-22.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Rest for at least 24 hours after cataract surgery. ^{[34] X Research Source} Cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens (opaque membrane) usually develops with age. ^{[35] X Source of Study} The surgeon will place an artificial intraocular lens in the eye. Patients often complain of a “foreign object” sensation in the eye after cataract surgery. This phenomenon is usually a symptom of dry eye caused by stitches, antiseptic used before surgery leading to irritation/irregularity/dryness, or dry eye condition during surgery.

The nerve usually takes several months to heal, during which time you may have a strange sensation in your eye.
To deal with these symptoms, your doctor may prescribe eye drops for lubrication and antibiotics to prevent infection. ^{[36] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/30/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-23.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery- Step-23.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/30/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-23.jpg/v4-728px-Recover- from-Eye-Surgery-Step-23.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

You need to be patient after retinal detachment surgery. ^{[37] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Symptoms that prompt you to have surgery may linger for a while after surgery, but will gradually resolve. Surgery is needed to avoid blindness. These include painless loss of vision, such as a sensation of a veil in front of the eye; dazzle or see light in the corner of the eye; and suddenly many black spots fly in front of our eyes.

This type of surgery requires a recovery time of about one to eight weeks.
You may feel some pain after surgery, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or ice packs.
The phenomenon of black spots flying in front of the eyes or seeing bright lights will gradually disappear. You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice a flare that did not occur before surgery.
You may also see black or white streaks in your vision. This phenomenon is caused by bubbles of air accumulating and will disappear as the air is gradually absorbed into the eye. ^{[38] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a0/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-24.jpg/v4-728px-Recover-from-Eye-Surgery- Step-24.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a0/Recover-from-Eye-Surgery-Step-24.jpg/v4-728px-Recover- from-Eye-Surgery-Step-24.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Prepare for the long period of recovery from LASIK surgery. Although the surgery is short, recovery time can take 2 to 3 months. ^{[39] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} LASIK is a corrective surgery for people with refractive errors who require glasses or contact lenses. This type of surgery uses a laser to change the curvature of the cornea, allowing the patient to see better. After surgery, you may experience more watering, halos, or blurred images. A burning or itching sensation may also occur, but it is important that you try not to touch your eyes. If the symptoms become too bothersome, you need to tell your doctor.

Doctors usually schedule a follow-up visit within 24-48 hours of surgery to check for vision and infection. Tell your doctor about any pain or side effects, if any, and schedule follow-up visits.
Gradually return to your usual activities, but under your doctor’s instructions. You can apply makeup and lotion on your face after two weeks. After four weeks, you can participate in vigorous activity and contact sports.
Avoid rubbing eyelids, hot tubs or whirlpool baths for 1-2 months or for as long as recommended by your eye care professional. ^{[40] X Trusted Source US Food and Drug Administration Go to source}

Advice

There are some symptoms after surgery that you do not need to worry about such as red eyes, blurred vision, watery eyes, feeling of foreign objects in the eyes or seeing bright lights. These phenomena will soon disappear. However, you should consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
Rest much. If you feel your eyes are too tight or too tired, you should give your eyes a rest by closing them or wearing an eye patch.

Warning

See a doctor immediately if you have severe pain, bloody discharge, blurred vision or see black spots.
Talk to your doctor if symptoms are common but persist and don’t go away. You should note the time when symptoms appeared if possible.

Steps