How long does it take to recover after cataract surgery?

Nov 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

Recovery time after cataract surgery varies from person to person. Vision usually improves rapidly in the short term, while complete recovery typically takes 1 to 3 months. The key factors include surgical technique, individual physical condition, and postoperative care. Minimally invasive phacoemulsification surgery generally allows for faster recovery, whereas traditional surgery may require a slightly longer healing period. After surgery, it is essential to strictly follow medical instructions for using anti-inflammatory and anti-infective eye drops, and to avoid rubbing the eyes or sustaining any eye injury.

Recovery time after cataract surgery varies from person to person. Short-term visual improvement is usually rapid, while complete recovery typically takes 1–3 months. The key factors include surgical method, individual physical condition, and postoperative care. Minimally invasive phacoemulsification surgery allows for faster recovery, whereas traditional surgery requires a slightly longer healing period. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Currently, the widely used phacoemulsification cataract surgery involves minimal trauma and a small incision of only 2–3 millimeters. The eye dressing can usually be removed one day after surgery, and most patients experience significant visual improvement at this stage. Discomfort such as eye pressure or foreign body sensation gradually subsides within one week. Normal daily activities like reading or watching TV can generally resume in about two weeks, although strenuous movements should be avoided.

Because extracapsular cataract extraction involves a larger incision, the recovery period is relatively longer. The dressing is typically removed 3–5 days after surgery, visual stabilization takes about one month, and full healing may require up to three months. In elderly patients or those with comorbidities such as diabetes, recovery may be slower. Strict blood glucose control and careful eye care are essential to prevent infection or poor wound healing.

After surgery, patients must strictly follow medical instructions for using anti-inflammatory and anti-infective eye drops, avoid rubbing the eyes and any ocular trauma, and refrain from contact with unclean water for one month. A light diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended, along with avoidance of vigorous exercise and actions involving bending forward or lowering the head.

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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.