How long between cataract surgery on each eye?

If both of your eyes have a cataract problem, you might be thinking about when it’s best to have an operation. Many people wonder about this, so let’s consider the important things to think about and how long it takes to recover after the surgery.
Starting with the correct eye

Before anything else, it’s essential to know that when both eyes are affected by cataracts, determining which eye requires attention first is important. Rather than opting for both surgeries on both eyes at once, the approach involves prioritising the eye with more severe cataracts and a cloudier lens.

What lies ahead

So, how long should you wait between cataract surgeries? Following the first surgery on one eye, you can expect a waiting period of approximately one month before addressing the second eye. This timeframe, recommended by the National Eye Institute,¹https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/cataract-surgery serves to maintain some level of vision and allows your eye doctor to closely monitor your recovery process.

It’s important to acknowledge that the waiting time can vary. Some people may choose to postpone the second surgery for years based on the impact of cataracts on their vision.

Understanding the recovery journey

Now, let’s delve into the recovery process. After undergoing cataract surgery, a full healing period of up to eight weeks²https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/cataract-surgery is typical. However, this doesn’t imply impaired vision throughout the entire duration.

On the day of the surgery, you’ll return home with a protective pad or bandage covering your eye. You should have someone you trust, such as a partner, friend, or family member, to accompany you. Any initial discomfort should subside within a day or two. In the ensuing days, you may need to wear a protective eye shield and avoid strenuous activities for at least a week.

Refraining from driving, using contact lenses, and applying eye makeup is crucial until your doctor gives the green light. Using special eye drops to clean your eye in the initial weeks post-surgery helps prevent infections.

Evaluating your vision results

Following the surgery, a thorough eye exam will evaluate the procedure’s effectiveness in improving your vision. Depending on the outcome, you may receive a new prescription for glasses.

Now that we’ve shared with you details about the cataract surgery process, it’s time to take control over your vision.

Whether you’re considering cataract surgery or seeking more information on fixing your vision problem, we invite you to book a free virtual assessment.