Aftercare in the first week: the questions everyone asks

The first week is when almost all questions arise, and most of them are practical rather than medical. Follow your own surgeon's instructions where they differ — these are the general principles I give my patients.

How do I use the drops properly?

Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull the lower lid down to make a pocket, and let one drop fall in without touching the eye with the bottle tip. One drop is enough — the eye cannot hold more. Leave five minutes between different drops.

Can I shower and wash my hair?

Yes, from the next day. Keep soap, shampoo and water out of the eye — wash your hair leaning backwards, and avoid letting the shower spray directly onto your face for a week.

How should I sleep?

Wear the shield at night for the first week to prevent accidental rubbing. Sleeping on your back or on the non-operated side is most comfortable, though sleeping position does not affect the implant.

Can I bend down or lift things?

Ordinary bending is fine. Avoid heavy lifting, straining and strenuous exercise for about a week.

Can I use screens, read and watch television?

Yes, straight away. Reading and screens do not harm the eye. If they cause tiredness, take breaks and use lubricating drops.

When can I drive?

Once you meet the legal vision standard and feel confident — typically a few days to a week, and only after your surgeon confirms it at your review.

When can I go back to work?

Desk work is usually possible after two to three days. Dusty, dirty or heavy manual work generally requires one to two weeks.

When can I swim or use a hot tub?

Avoid swimming pools for two weeks and hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for four weeks, because of infection risk.

When can I wear eye make-up?

Leave it for two weeks, then start with new, unopened products.

Is it normal for the eye to feel gritty, watery or red?

Yes. Mild grittiness, watering, light sensitivity and a red patch on the white of the eye are all normal and settle within a week or two.

What is not normal?

Increasing pain, worsening vision, a sudden shower of floaters, flashing lights, or a curtain across your vision are urgent. Contact your surgeon's emergency number immediately — do not wait for your next appointment.

When will my vision be stable?

Useful vision typically returns within 24–48 hours, with continued refinement over four to six weeks. New glasses, if you need any, should be prescribed only after that point. Our day-by-day recovery guide sets out the full timeline.

Ask us your own question

Every eye is different, and a general answer is never a substitute for your own scans. Ms Tahmina Pearsall is an NHS Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with over 40,000 procedures performed, offering consultant-led private cataract surgery, lens replacement and laser eye surgery across 17 UK clinic locations. You can check current fixed prices, read patient reviews or book a consultation.

This article is general information written by a consultant ophthalmic surgeon and does not replace an individual examination.