How soon can one return to work after cataract surgery?

Nov 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

After cataract surgery, light household chores or office work can typically be resumed within 1–2 weeks, while heavy physical labor should be delayed for 1–3 months, depending on the surgical method and individual eye recovery. If any abnormalities occur after surgery—such as sudden vision loss, eye pain, or redness and swelling—prompt medical attention is recommended. Minimally invasive procedures, such as phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation, are commonly used.

After cataract surgery, most people can resume light household chores or office work within 1–2 weeks. Heavy physical labor should be postponed for 1–3 months, depending on the surgical method and individual eye recovery. If any abnormalities occur after surgery—such as sudden vision loss, eye pain, redness, or swelling—prompt medical attention is recommended.

Minimally invasive procedures, such as phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation, involve less trauma and allow faster recovery. Discomfort typically decreases within about one week after surgery, enabling light activities like sweeping or typing. However, actions involving bending forward, lowering the head, or straining should be avoided.

For patients undergoing traditional surgery or those with slower healing, longer healing time is required for ocular tissues. Light activities may be delayed until two weeks post-surgery, while heavy physical tasks such as lifting or construction work should wait 1–3 months, until the eye is fully stabilized, to prevent compromising surgical outcomes.

Postoperative care includes maintaining eye cleanliness, avoiding getting contaminated water in the eye, minimizing prolonged eye use and exposure to bright light, eating a light diet rich in vitamins, avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy labor, and following prescribed medication and follow-up schedules to support eye recovery.

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What eye drops are commonly used after cataract surgery?

In general, eye drops are required after cataract surgery to prevent infection, control inflammation, and promote recovery. Common needs include antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments. Patients may use medications such as levofloxacin ophthalmic solution, tobramycin-dexamethasone ophthalmic solution, pranoprofen ophthalmic solution, sodium hyaluronate ophthalmic solution, and cyclosporine ophthalmic solution, as prescribed by their doctor. A detailed analysis is as follows:

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What are the nursing diagnoses for cataracts?

Nursing diagnoses for cataracts generally include altered sensory perception (decreased vision), risk for injury, anxiety, knowledge deficit, and potential complications (postoperative infection). Altered sensory perception (decreased vision): due to lens opacity causing abnormal light refraction, patients experience progressive vision loss, manifesting as blurred vision and double vision, which affects daily activities such as reading and walking.

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What is the name of cataract in traditional Chinese medicine?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cataracts are known as "yuanyi neizhang," an eye disorder characterized primarily by lens opacity and progressive vision loss. TCM attributes the condition to aging, physical weakness, and disharmony of internal organs. If symptoms such as sudden vision decline, eye pain, or visual distortion occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended. The underlying pathological mechanism in TCM is deficiency of the liver and kidneys, accompanied by insufficient qi and blood.