Different people recover at different rates – this depends on the density of the cataract and lens removed, the shape of your eye, your age and your preexisting eye health. You should be back to normal, low stress/low impact activities within a 2-4 days. You can read more about getting back into specific activities by downloading our FAQ page.  

Your natural lens has been replaced with an artificial lens, so you may notice some transient effects whilst your brain gets used to the new lens. These can include seeing a dark shadow in your outer vision which disappears when you hold a hand to your temple like a blinker (negative dysphotopsia). Sometimes you may experience a fluttering or jitter in your vision. This is normal.

These symptoms will fade – it is best to ignore them, in the same way you first notice the rim on a pair of glasses but eventually you ignore it and so no longer notice it unless you look for it.

Your eyes are living tissue. The IOL will settle into the eye in the weeks following surgery which is why we say to wait until 6 weeks before you update your glasses (where you expected to have glasses for some tasks). Our optometrist will check your refraction at your 6 week appointment and will let you know if you should go and see your own optometrist.

Using your post operative eye drops as directed will also aid your recovery. Remember to shake the eye drop bottles before use and space the drops out by 1-2 minutes. 

The pupil may remain dilated for a day or two due to dilating drops we use during surgery- this is standard procedure and will wear off after a few days.  

It is normal for the surface of the eye to be red for a week or so (particularly if you take blood thinners); this does not affect the visual outcome. 

If you have a glaucoma stent inserted at the same time you may have some blood inside the eye – this is normal and will resorb in the first few days

It is common to experience an occasional foreign body sensation or grittiness after surgery. Take simple pain relief, such as paracetamol, and use lubricants and artificial tears when necessary. This is called Surgical Transient Ocular Discomfort Syndrome or STODS. This is when nerve endings and skin on the eye are healing. This can sometimes persist for a few months. Please continue to use your dry eye drops at least 4 times a day, or more if needed.  

You can read more about STODS and dry eye using these links to our website:

STODS

Dry Eye

If you require glasses to help with reading vison, you can purchase chemist ready-made glasses to use in the interim. Usually, a +1.50 or +2.00 will be suitable. After your 6 weeks post operative review, we will advise you to see your local optometrist for new glasses. If you don't have an optometrist then please ask us and we will recommend one for you.

Mild discomfort, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are common.

After cataract surgery you may notice some transient effects whilst your brain gets used to the new intraocular lens that was inserted during surgery. These symptoms will fade – it is best to ignore them, in the same way you are first aware of the rim on a new pair of glasses, which eventually you no longer notice.  

These can include seeing a dark shadow in your outer vision which disappears when you hold a hand to your temple like a blinker (negative dysphotopsia); or a fluttering or jitter in your vision. 

If you experience any of the following symptoms please contact us as soon as possible: A painful, red eye alongside reduced vision, a ‘veil or curtain’ coming over eye, flashes of light or an onset of excess floaters. 

You can find our contact details here - please get in touch for an appointment or we may advise you to attend your nearest emergency clinic

You can download a new copy of your cataract surgery eye drop calendar by clicking on this link and downloading the calendar.

Different people recover at different rates – this depends on the extent of the pterygium removed, your age and your preexisting eye health. It takes four to six weeks for your eye to heal completely.

The eye will be quite uncomfortable for the first few days so plan at least five days off work. It tends to be gritty and sore in the first few days after surgery but you will be given some pain relief to take home and any discomfort should soon settle. It may look red for a few weeks.

Using your post operative eye drops as directed will also aid your recovery. Remember to shake the eye drop bottles before use and space the drops out by 1-2 minutes. 

Watch for increasing pain, excessive redness, vision changes, or discharge. If you experience any of these, contact our clinic

It's best to avoid contact lenses for at least a few weeks post-surgery. Our doctor will advise when it’s safe to resume use.

While there is a low risk of recurrence due to the type of procedure used during your surgery. Following the doctor’s recommendations after surgery can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence, such as wearing sunglasses.

Mild discomfort is common, but significant pain should be reported to our clinic. Simple pain relief such as paracetomol or ibuprofen should help with the discomfort – follow instructions as per your pharmacist.

If you have any significant problems such as severe pain, decreasing vision or worsening discomfort or swelling around the eye, contact our clinic at Insight Eye Surgery on 07 3154 1515 (Brisbane) or 07 5345 5011 (Noosa) in business hours or attend your local hospital emergency department after hours.

You can download a new copy of your pterygium surgery eye drop calendar by clicking on this link and downloading the calendar.

You can usually return to light activities within a few days, but avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, and exposure to dust or smoke for at least 2 weeks.

When the local anaesthetic wears off you will feel some discomfort or irritation in your eye – this is unavoidable.

Initial healing occurs within a few weeks, but full results may take several months as swelling subsides.

There will be bruising around the eye; this does not affect the outcome and should settle down over the following weeks.

Note that a small amount of bloody discharge from the wounds, or bloodstained tears, are normal.

Use ice packs held over the eyes to help reduce swelling – use every hour for 15 minutes the day after surgery

Keep the incisions clean and dry.  Shower or bathe but do not allow tap water on the wounds for the first few days.

Avoid heavy lifting, bending over or strenuous exercise for one week.

Do not remove any sutures or pick at the wound or scab

Don’t forget to use your eye drops !

Do not swim for 4 weeks following surgery

Mild discomfort is expected, but significant pain should be reported to our clinic.

Simple pain relief such as paracetomol or ibuprofen should help with the discomfort – follow instructions as per your pharmacist.

If you have any significant problems such as severe pain, decreasing vision or worsening discomfort or swelling around the eye, contact our clinic at Insight Eye Surgery on 07 3154 1515 (Brisbane) or 07 5345 5011 (Noosa) in business hours or attend your local hospital emergency department after hours.