CATARACTS: BEFORE & AFTER SURGERY

Currently, the most effective treatment for cataracts is to have surgery, which involves replacing the cloudy lens in the eye with a synthetic lens. Getting the correct support before and after cataract surgery can be essential for your recovery. So, if you’re searching for ways to keep your eyes comfortable before and after surgery, Théa can help. Here, we’re covering everything you need to know about the process from start to finish, alongside our top tips for preparing and recovering.

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is the most common surgery undertaken in the NHS, with over 722,727 done every year (in England)¹. The surgery itself is relatively straightforward and often completed within 20 minutes. Commonly, local anaesthetic is administered, and then a tiny cut is made to the eye’s surface which allows the surgeon to remove the clouded lens. A synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) is put in its place to restore clear vision to the patient.

This is a permanent solution and since the synthetic lens lasts a lifetime, you’ll never need to undergo another cataract procedure, provided there are no complications. The surgery has a high success rate and can improve vision for most patients.

Deciding to have cataract surgery

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to go ahead with cataract surgery after a diagnosis. But it’s important that whatever choice you make, you fully discuss with your eyecare professional and you have all the facts first.

One of the main factors that can affect your decision is that cataracts typically worsen over time. The only way to improve your eyesight is to have surgery and replace the cloudy lens. This not only affects your vision, but it can also impact your quality of life if you lose a significant portion of your vision.

You should also consider whether the condition might affect your usual daily activities if it’s left to worsen. Activities like reading, watching TV and playing games can become much more difficult if your vision becomes weaker, plus it can affect your ability to drive safely.

BEFORE CATARACT SURGERY: PRE-ASSESSMENT & HOW TO PREPARE

Whether you’re nervous about preparing for your assessment and surgery or are curious about what happens at this stage, we’ve got you covered with all the pre-surgery information you’ll need.

PRE-ASSESSMENT FOR CATARACT SURGERY

At your pre-assessment discussion, you’ll typically talk about what will happen during the operation, the risks involved, the benefits of surgery and the expected recovery time. Your medical history will also be considered as your eye care professional might use this to determine how to undertake your surgery, for example whether you have any breathing problems, your ability to lie flat on your back, and the control of your diabetes. These aspects could also influence the type of lens implant required or whether both your eyes could be operated on at the same time. Finally, measurements will be taken of your eyes for the new lenses that will be fitted during surgery.

Your assessment should also be taken as an opportunity to discuss anything to do with your operation, including any concerns or questions you might have.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR CATARACT SURGERY

Making sure you’re well-prepared for your surgery can help keep any pre-operation nerves at bay and reassure you that your surgery will go ahead smoothly. We recommend doing the following:

• Bring along some entertainment while you wait
• Have somebody on standby to take you home after the surgery - your pupils need to be dilated for surgery to allow the lens to be removed safely
• Stop wearing contact lenses a few weeks before
• Keep track of any changes to your eyes
• Create a list of the medications you take regularly to give to the hospital

ADOPTING A GOOD EYE CARE ROUTINE AHEAD OF SURGERY

It’s important to ensure that the eyes are kept clean and healthy. Not only will proper eye care keep you comfortable while you wait, but it can also reduce the risk of any issues that might prevent the surgery from going ahead.

Blephaclean® PF is the perfect product for your pre-surgery eye routine. This preservative-free, paraben and perfume-free product can instantly soothe and cleanse even sensitive eyes getting them in a good, clean state for surgery. You can use Blephaclean® PF after your surgery as well to soothe your eyelids, lift away any debris and improve comfort.

You may also want to use Thealoz® Duo ahead of surgery as part of your daily eye care routine to prepare and protect the surface of the eyes. Use of Thealoz Duo prior to your surgery and following on from your surgery, can aid in both pre- and post-operative eye comfort, alongside supporting your recovery. It is important that you follow your cataract providers instruction on the use of your post operative eye medication and leave at least 5 minutes between eye drop instillation.

CATARACTS SURGERY PREPARATION FAQS

Should I stop wearing contact lenses before cataract surgery?

Patients should stop wearing contact lenses as part of their preparation for surgery because the lenses can affect the surface of the eye and change the measurements that are taken to determine which lens implant you need. Otherwise you could end-up with the wrong lens power for your eye and this can affect the clarity of vision you experience after surgery.

The exact length of time that you should avoid wearing contact lenses can vary depending on what type of lenses you use, but this is usually a week before cataract surgery is scheduled. If you’re unsure about when to stop wearing your contact lenses or have any concerns, we recommend speaking to your eye care professional.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CATARACT SURGERY

During this simple and quick procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision in your eye to remove the cloudy lens before replacing this with a clear synthetic lens. Most patients are offered monofocal lenses which have a single point of focus that is fixed for distant sight. Some patients, often those who choose to have their surgery done privately, can choose a multifocal or accommodating lens that allows the eyes to adjust between long and short vision. You will normally be under local anaesthetic for the duration of this short surgery, so you won’t need to do anything other than try to relax.

CATARACTS SURGERY FAQS

On average, cataract surgery can take around 20 minutes for adults. The details of this and what to expect before, during and after surgery should all be thoroughly explained and discussed at your pre-assessment meeting. The time it takes may vary depending on whether the surgery is being carried out on a child or adult, or if there are any potential complications.

In most cases, surgery will be done 6 to 12 weeks apart to allow each eye plenty of time to recover without complications. However your eye care professional might advise that you are suitable to have both eyes operated on at the same time, one after the other. During your pre-surgery assessment, it will be decided which route to take based on your circumstances.

AFTER CATARACT SURGERY: RECOVERY & MORE

Unsure about what happens after cataract surgery? While your aftercare team will make sure all your questions are answered and you’re happy, it can put your mind at ease to be in the know before you go into your surgery. Here, we’ve gathered all the information about recovery dos and don’ts, what to expect and how you can stay comfortable after your surgery.

TIPS FOR AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

What should you be doing after your surgery and what should you avoid? If there’s anything you’re unsure about, our handy dos and don’ts list can help².

DO use eye drops as prescribed to help prevent infection and support recovery.
DO take time off from stenuous activities to heal and rest your eyes.
DO protect your eyes from bright lights by wearing sunglasses and allowing more time to adjust to lights.
DO use a protective eye shield or glasses outside.

DON'T drive yourself home after the surgery.
DON'T wear eye makeup for at least a week after the operation, since this might delay the healing process.
DON'T wear contact lenses if you usually wear them. Seek the advice of your eye care professional.

In most cases, you should be fine to go home on the same day as your cataract surgery. You may have a pad and/or plastic shield over the treated eye and your eye care professional will advise when this can be removed. The feeling in your eye should return after a few hours, and your vision should improve over the next few days.

After cataract surgery, it’s normal to experience blurred vision, double vision, watering, redness and grittiness. Whether you have one or more of these side effects, they should subside within a couple of days. In some cases, recovery may take several weeks. If you have any concerns about your recovery always seek the advice of your eye care professional.

If you need new glasses after your surgery because of changes to your vision, you won’t be able to order these until your eye has healed fully.

FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS AFTER SURGERY

DO adopt a good eye care routine with products like Blephaclean® PF and Thealoz® Duo.
DO apply your eye drops as instructed.
DO use your eye shield at night for at least a week.
DO take painkillers to manage the pain if necessary.
DO bathe or shower yourself as usual, and wear your eye shield when washing your hair.
DO read, watch TV and use a computer.

DON'T rub your eyes.
DON'T allow soap or shampoo to get into your eye.
DON'T drive until you get the all-clear from your doctor.
DON'T engage in strenuous activity.
DON'T wear eye makeup for at least 1 week.
DON'T fly without seeking advice from your doctor.
DON'T go swimming for 4-6 weeks.

It can sometimes be a good idea to arrange for someone to help you around the house and when you’re outside until your vision returns to normal. This can be particularly useful if the vision in your other eye is poor.

Always follow the advice of you eye care professional and aftercare team to make for a safe and speedy post-surgery recovery.

HOW THÉA CAN HELP

After cataract surgery, it’s common for eyes to feel gritty, sore or watery. This can last for around 3 months. This is where Thealoz® Duo can come in handy. This product is perfect for relieving any discomfort or irritation following your surgery and comes in a unique, easy-to-use bottle for straightforward application. It can protect, hydrate and lubricate the eyes, making sure they remain comfortable while they heal.

CATARACTS SURGERY RECOVERY FAQS

What is the recovery time for cataract surgery?

The typical recovery time is between 2 to 6 weeks and the surgery has a high success rate for improving eyesight in those with cataracts³.

How long after cataract surgery can you bend over?

After cataract surgery, it’s recommended that you avoid bending over because this can cause extra pressure and strain on the eyes. You should follow the advice of eye care professionals on this and avoid bending down until you have the all-clear.

Can you drive after cataract surgery?

It’s advised that you shouldn’t drive after cataract surgery until you get the all-clear from an eye care professional³. Since everybody is different, the timeline for recovery may vary, and you’ll usually need to wait until your eyesight is deemed clear enough to be safe to drive.

What is considered strenuous activity after cataract surgery?

Strenuous activity is usually classified as anything that might raise your heart rate and the pressure in your head and eyes. This can include, but isn’t limited to, activities such as weight-lifting, running, cycling, driving and cooking. If you’re unsure about whether or not you’ll be able to take part in an activity that you usually do, it’s important to check with your eye care professional.

Should I wear my old glasses after cataract surgery?

Since your vision should improve after surgery, it’s likely that your old spectacle prescription will no longer work for your eyes. Post-surgery, it’s important to book an appointment to see an optician who can assess your vision and update the prescription⁴.

Can you fly after cataract surgery?

It’s recommended not to fly after cataract surgery without seeking advice from your doctor or eye care professional³. Your aftercare team will be able to offer advice on when you can return to travelling as normal.

When can you wash your hair after cataract surgery?

Typically, it’s considered safe to wash your hair and shower or take baths as normal after cataract surgery. However, you should try to keep your eyes closed and avoid getting any water, shampoo or soap in your eyes. It’s often advised that you should use a mild or baby shampoo instead of your regular shampoo. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes. If anything gets in your eye, such as shampoo or any other foreign object, it can slow down healing and possibly lead to infection and other post-operative issues⁵.

Can you do housework after cataract surgery?

After surgery, many people are able to return to their usual daily activities, which can include light housework. But for anything involving heavy lifting, exposure to dirt or dust, and strenuous activities, it’s often advised that these are avoided for the first few weeks since they can raise the pressure in your eyes and hinder recovery.

If you’re using chemicals or your eyes might be exposed to debris, you can wear protective glasses to keep these away from your eyes while they heal from the surgery. If you have any concerns, it’s best to speak to your eye care professional or aftercare team who can advise further.

Can you drink alcohol after cataract surgery?

Usually, you should be free to drink alcohol after cataract surgery. However, it’s important to note that if your surgery was done using a sedative, you should wait at least 24 hours before having an alcoholic drink⁶. Your aftercare team will be able to advise further if needed.

How long are you off work after cataract surgery?

For most patients, it’s recommended to wait at least three days after their surgery before returning to work. But since everyone’s situation is different, this question should be brought up at your pre-assessment for surgery when the specifics of your job and the potential risks it might pose can be discussed. This can help make sure you’re offered the best advice based on your specific circumstances².

ESTABLISHING AN EYE CARE ROUTINE

Establishing a good eye care routine for maintaining healthy eyes is essential, especially after cataract surgery. To do this, you can set reminders on your phone or calendar to remind you to apply any drops or follow any additional medical advice provided. Staying consistent with your eye care routine is important for creating good habits that will keep your eyes healthy in the long term. It can also help to incorporate simple lifestyle changes, such as wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors, and keeping screen time to a minimum.

PRODUCTS TO HELP BEFORE & AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

Regular use of Théa products such as Blephaclean® PF and Thealoz® Duo before and after surgery, alongside using any drops recommended by your eye care provider doctor or nurse, who will provide recovery support.

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CATARACTS ADVICE

CATARACTS SYMPTOMS

CATARACTS CAUSES

References:
1. NHS England: Hospital Admitted Patient Care Activity 2023-24
2. Fight for Sight
3. NHS
4. ABDO
5. Moorfields NHS
6. London Vision Clinic

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