Cataract Surgery Day 1: What to Expect

Day 1 is usually the blurriest day, and that is expected. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says it is very common to have blurry or unclear vision in the days and sometimes even weeks after cataract removal, and that most of the time this is caused by normal swelling in the eye that occurs as a part of surgery. You may see well enough to move around the house and still find that fine print, faces, or your phone look soft and washed out.

The eye itself often feels odd rather than painful. The National Eye Institute describes the eye as possibly feeling a bit itchy or uncomfortable and sensitive to light and touch, and says that after 1 or 2 days it should feel better. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that during the first 24 hours the small incision begins to close and the surface of the eye seals shut, while the smooth barrier underneath takes another few weeks to fully heal.

Most surgeons see you for a check on day 1, which StatPearls lists as the first standard postoperative visit. Bring your drop bottles and a written list of questions, because it is easy to forget them. Ask specifically when you can drive, since that answer depends on your vision in both eyes and your surgeon is the only person who can give it.