Aftercare for Cataract Removal: What to Do and Avoid
Good aftercare protects your result. Most of it is simple — use your drops, keep the eye clean, and avoid rubbing it — but knowing exactly what to do in the first few weeks makes recovery calmer and safer.
- Use drops exactly as prescribed — usually for about 4 weeks
- Wear the eye shield at night for the first week
- No eye rubbing, swimming or eye make-up for 2 weeks
- Call the clinic about pain or worsening vision
What is normal after cataract removal
- Mild grittiness or watering for a few days
- Slight blur that improves day by day
- Brighter colours and more glare at first
- A little redness of the white of the eye
Your aftercare routine
Wash your hands before putting in drops, and leave 5 minutes between different drops.
- Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops as scheduled
- Clean lids gently with cooled boiled water
- Shower and wash hair with the eye closed and shielded
- Light walking is fine from day one
Week-by-week guide
Everyone heals at a slightly different pace; follow the advice given at your own check.
- Week 1: rest, drops, shield at night
- Week 2: most daily activities, no swimming
- Weeks 3–4: gym, gardening and swimming usually allowed
- Weeks 4–6: glasses test for new prescription
When to seek urgent care
- • Increasing pain not eased by paracetamol
- • Vision getting worse
- • Increasing redness or discharge
- • Flashes, new floaters or a shadow in vision
Frequently asked questions
Book an assessment
Appointments with Ms Tahmina Pearsall are available across the UK, with urgent slots prioritised for sudden symptoms.
The £250 consultation fee is charged separately from any treatment or surgery.
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