How Soon Will My Eyesight Improve After Cataract Surgery?

Wondering if you’ll walk out of the operating room after cataract surgery with 20/20 vision? Here’s what you need to know about the recovery process and when to expect improved eyesight.

Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed and successful eye surgeries, offering the promise of clearer vision. However, the journey to improved eyesight doesn’t end the moment you leave the operating room.

Understanding the recovery process helps set realistic expectations and provides peace of mind. The compassionate team at Cory Bergman, MD, in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Casper, Wyoming, provides the following information so you know how soon your eyesight should improve after cataract surgery.

Immediately after surgery

Once your cataract surgery is completed, Dr. Bergman covers your eye with a protective shield. You may spend some time in the recovery room, and then head home. In the hours following surgery, it's normal to experience blurry vision, light sensitivity, and a gritty sensation.

The first few days after surgery

Most people start noticing an improvement in their vision within the first day. Initially, vision may seem blurry or foggy due to swelling and residual effects of eye drops. However, the brain quickly adapts to the new lens, and your eyesight progressively improves.

During the first few days after surgery, you notice steady improvements in clarity and color vibrancy. Follow Dr. Bergman’s instructions regarding eye drops, which are essential for reducing inflammation and preventing infection. Avoid rubbing your eyes and wearing eye makeup, and protect your eyes from direct sunlight.

A week after surgery

A week after cataract surgery, reading small print is easier, colors appear more vivid, and driving at night is less challenging. A follow-up appointment happens around the one-week mark. Dr. Bergman checks the healing progress and tests your vision.

If you had cataracts in both eyes and only had one eye operated on initially, Dr. Bergman may discuss scheduling surgery for the second eye.

Two to four weeks after surgery

Most people find their vision stabilizes further during the second week. Vision becomes sharper and your eye feels less irritated. The risk of complications, such as infection, significantly decreases.

Some people notice minor fluctuations in clarity due to ongoing healing and eye adjustments. If your vision remains blurry or seems to worsen, consult Dr. Bergman to rule out complications.

One month after surgery

By the one-month mark, your vision should be vastly improved, and any discomfort should have subsided. Dr. Bergman may give you a new prescription for glasses or advise that you no longer need corrective lenses.

Three months after surgery

Most people experience fully stabilized vision within three months post-surgery. It's important to continue regular eye check-ups to monitor for long-term complications like posterior capsule opacification (PCO), a clouding of the lens capsule that can occur months or years after surgery.

If PCO occurs, it’s easily treatable with a quick, painless laser procedure.

Individual recovery times vary

Although individual recovery times vary, most people notice significant improvements within a few days to weeks. Following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure a smooth recovery. To find out if cataract surgery can improve your eyesight, call the office or schedule an appointment online.