What to do about foreign body sensation after cataract surgery

Nov 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

A foreign body sensation after cataract surgery can be relieved by using artificial tears, avoiding eye rubbing and irritation, maintaining good ocular hygiene, reducing eye strain, and minimizing exposure to environmental irritants. This is usually a normal postoperative response. However, if the sensation persists for more than one week or worsens, or if it is accompanied by pain, sudden vision loss, or increased discharge, prompt medical attention is recommended.

After cataract surgery, a sensation of foreign body in the eye may occur. This can be relieved by using artificial tears, avoiding rubbing the eyes, maintaining good eye hygiene, reducing eye strain, and avoiding environmental irritants. These symptoms are usually normal postoperative reactions. However, if the sensation persists for more than one week or worsens, or is accompanied by pain, sudden vision loss, or increased eye discharge, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Use artificial tears: After surgery, the ocular mucosa requires time to heal and may become dry, leading to a foreign body sensation. Using preservative-free artificial tears as directed by your doctor helps moisturize the eye surface, relieve dryness, and reduce discomfort.

2. Avoid rubbing the eyes: The corneal incision has not fully healed after surgery. Rubbing the eyes may damage the wound or introduce bacteria, worsening the sensation or even causing infection. It is important to consciously avoid this behavior.

3. Maintain eye cleanliness: Prevent dirty water and dust from entering the eyes. Be especially cautious during face washing or hair washing. Gently wipe away eye secretions with a clean cotton swab to minimize sources of irritation.

4. Reduce eye strain: Allow adequate rest for the eyes after surgery. Avoid prolonged screen time or reading. Rest your eyes for 5 minutes every 30 minutes of visual activity to prevent muscle tension that could worsen the foreign body sensation.

5. Avoid environmental irritants: Stay away from smoke, windblown sand, and bright light. Wear light-colored protective goggles when outdoors to shield the eyes from irritating gases or dust and reduce mucosal sensitivity.

Maintain regular sleep patterns and ensure sufficient rest after surgery. Eat a light diet rich in protein and vitamins, avoid spicy or irritating foods, and attend follow-up appointments as prescribed 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 level of surgery does cataract surgery belong to?

In general, the grading of cataract surgery is determined based on the surgical method and the complexity of the condition, usually classified as level two or level three. After surgery, maintain eye cleanliness, avoid letting contaminated water enter the eye, and refrain from rubbing the eye vigorously or engaging in strenuous physical activity. In terms of diet, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, and reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods.

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At what age can cataract surgery be performed?

There is no absolute age limit for cataract surgery. Individuals ranging from children to the elderly can undergo the procedure as long as their ocular conditions permit and their overall health status can tolerate surgery. The most common patients in clinical practice are aged between 60 and 80 years, with the key factors being the severity of the cataract and the patient's physical tolerance. If vision deterioration affects daily activities or eye discomfort occurs, timely medical evaluation is recommended.

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Can you sleep on your side after cataract surgery?

Whether you can sleep on your side after cataract surgery depends on the stage of recovery. During the first 1–2 weeks after surgery, it is not recommended to sleep on the operated side; sleeping on the unaffected side or on your back is safer. Once healing progresses well and with approval from your doctor, sleeping on the operated side is generally permitted. After surgery, maintain good eye hygiene, avoid getting contaminated water in the eye, and refrain from strenuous activities, bending over, or any movements involving lowering the head.