Activities after cataract surgery: what you can and can’t do

Your surgeon and clinical team will give clear instructions about how to care for your eye while it heals. These usually include temporary limits on activities that could strain or irritate the eye while you recover.

Knowing what recovery usually involves can make the decision about cataract surgery feel clearer. This guide brings together the typical activity timelines after surgery so you know what to expect.

Recovery timelines at a glance

Recovery after cataract surgery usually progresses steadily over the first few weeks as the small incision created during the procedure heals.

The table below shows typical timelines for returning to common activities after cataract surgery. It’s important to note that these are general guidelines. Your surgeon may recommend slightly different timings depending on how your eye is healing.

Your follow-up appointment allows your surgical team to confirm how the healing process is going and advise when it's safe to return to more demanding activities.

The first 24 hours after cataract surgery

The first day after cataract surgery is all about recovery and allowing the eye to recuperate. The procedure itself is quick, but the eye has still undergone delicate surgery and benefits from a short period of rest.

You’ll normally go home the same day with clear instructions from your surgical team. Your vision may feel slightly blurred at first because of the drops used during surgery and the eye adjusting to the new lens. This usually improves over the next day or two as the eye begins to settle.

During the first 24 hours, take things easy and avoid strenuous activity. Most people find that moving around the house, reading, watching television, and using a phone or tablet are usually comfortable.

The main goal is simply to avoid putting strain on the eye or exposing it to anything that could cause irritation.

Your surgeon may advise wearing a protective eye shield, particularly when sleeping. This is to prevent accidental rubbing while the eye heals. Rubbing or pressing on the eye should also be avoided, as the surface of the eye is still recovering from the procedure.

It’s very important to keep soap, shampoo and dirty water away from the eye during this early stage because the eye is more vulnerable to infection. Try to keep the eye closed during showering and washing to avoid splashing any water directly in it.

You will usually begin using your prescribed eye drops during the first 24 hours. These drops help control inflammation and reduce the risk of infection during early recuperation. Following the drop schedule carefully is one of the most important parts of recovery, which is why we recommend using our dropAdrop app. It has been developed and customised to remind you to take your essential aftercare eye drops.

Days 1 to 7: getting back to everyday tasks

During the first week after cataract surgery, you should be able to gradually return to your daily routines. Your eye is still healing, but it’ll be safe and comfortable to carefully do activities that don’t put unnecessary strain on it.

Activities you can do in week 1

• Reading, watching television and other screen use like browsing on phones or tablets.
• Going for short walks outside.
• Preparing meals at home.
• Light household tasks like tidying or washing the dishes.

To start with, your eyes might feel tired or dry during these activities. If that happens, take short breaks to allow your eyes time to rest, and use lubricating eye drops. 

Activities to avoid during the first week

Certain activities should still be avoided during this early phase of recovery:

• Heavy lifting. This includes more obvious activities like using gym machines or free weights, as well as lifting a shopping bag or a suitcase.
• Strenuous exercise or any other high-impact activity. This rules out running or any other gym workouts.
• Repeated bending forward with your head below your waist.
• Spending time in dusty or smoky environments may increase the risk of infection.
  
  

You should continue to use your prescribed eye drops

Eye drops are an important part of the first week of recovery. They help control inflammation and reduce the risk of infection while the eye settles around the new lens.

By the end of the first week after cataract surgery, everyday activities should feel easier as your eye continues to heal. 

How soon after cataract surgery can you bend over?

Most surgeons recommend avoiding bending forward with your head below waist level for around a week after cataract surgery.

This is because bending in this position temporarily increases the pressure in your eyes.  During the early stages of recovery, your eye is still settling, so the advice is to minimise movements that could place additional strain on the healing tissues.

If you need to pick something up during this time, a simple adjustment to how you do it can reduce unnecessary pressure on your eye. 

Instead of bending from the waist, bend your knees and squat down so your head stays upright. If you’re trying to get to something particularly low to the ground, sitting down to reach it might be more comfortable. 

And if something is heavy or awkward, it’s safer to ask someone to help you with any lifting in the first few days of your recovery. 

The good news is that this restriction on your movement is only temporary. Once the eye has had time to recover and your surgeon confirms that recovery is progressing normally, you’ll be able to bend normally again.

It's also reassuring to know that brief or accidental bending is very unlikely to cause harm. The advice is mainly about avoiding repeated pressure on the eye during the earliest stage of recovery.

Weeks 2 to 4: increasing your activity safely

By this point in your recovery, the eye has usually healed enough to gradually increase activity. Most everyday routines will feel easier during this stage, but it’s important to remember that the eye is still settling and isn’t fully healed. The focus now is on steadily building your activity while continuing to avoid eye strain.

Activities that are usually fine during weeks 2 to 4

A wider range of activities usually becomes comfortable again as your recovery progresses, including walking longer distances outside, and careful gardening and outdoor tasks. Be sure to protect your eyes from wind, dust and bright light during any outdoor activity by wearing sunglasses. You can also begin light exercise, including gentle cycling or low-impact activity in the gym.

If you have a desk-based role, you can likely return to work within 2-4 weeks after surgery. You might need to rest for a little longer before returning if your work involves heavy lifting, physical strain or dusty environments.

Activities to avoid during weeks 2 to 4

It’s advised that you hold off on any heavy lifting or strenuous activity during this recovery period. This is to make sure you avoid putting your eye under any unnecessary pressure. You should also continue to avoid swimming or any activities that could expose your eyes to dirty water or irritants. 

Your follow-up appointment allows the surgical team to confirm how the eye is healing and advise when it's safe to increase activity.

After 4 to 6 weeks: returning to full activity

You should be able to resume most normal activities 4-6 weeks after cataract surgery. It’s likely that by this point your vision will have stabilised, and everyday routines will feel completely comfortable again. Now you can work towards resuming any activities that you avoided earlier in your recovery.

Activities that are usually safe after 4 to 6 weeks

Once your surgeon has confirmed the eye has healed, you can start enjoying a range of activities once again.

You can swim in public pools or natural outdoor water, and use hot tubs or saunas again safely. If you’re a keen gym goer, you can now add heavier workouts back into your routine and resume strength training as you did before your surgery. This also means you can lift heavier objects again in day-to-day life and take part in more demanding outdoor activities. 

You should only participate in higher-impact sports or any activities that could result in an impact on your eye once your surgeon has confirmed that your healing is complete. 

Why are eye drops needed?

During the healing period after cataract surgery, eye drops help to control inflammation and protect the eye from infection. Even if your eye feels comfortable, it’s important to continue to use drops as prescribed. 

Most patients are prescribed more than one type of drop. You’ll usually start taking these shortly after surgery and continue for several weeks while the eye recovers. Following the schedule given by your surgical team is one of the most important steps in the healing process. 

Typical eye drop schedule

Your surgeon will give you a drop schedule that’s personalised to you. In the early weeks after surgery, drops are often used several times a day to maintain the correct medication level.

Many people find it helpful to follow a simple daily routine to keep on top of this. Setting reminders on a phone or using the OCL Vision dropAdrop app can make it easier to stay consistent during the first few weeks of recovery.

How to apply eye drops

• Always wash your hands, then tilt your head back slightly. 
• Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. 
• Place the drop into this space without letting the bottle touch your eye or eyelashes. 
• Close your eyes gently for a few seconds so that the medication can spread across the surface.

One of the most common mistakes in recovery is missing doses or stopping drops too early. If you forget a dose, take it when you remember, unless it's too close to your next scheduled dose. If you’re unsure about your drop schedule or run out of medication, it's best to contact your clinic rather than stopping the drops early.

When to contact your clinic

Recovery after cataract surgery is usually smooth. Whilst there are mild symptoms during the healing process, these normally improve over the first few days and weeks. 

Occasionally, it’s possible to experience symptoms that require medical assessment. It's important to contact your clinic or seek urgent care if you notice increasing pain that isn’t relieved by simple pain relief such as paracetamol. It's worth noting that cataract surgery itself is not normally painful, so persistent or worsening pain should always be assessed.

A sudden drop in vision also requires urgent attention. Your vision may be slightly blurred during the early stages of recovery, but it should gradually improve rather than suddenly get worse.

Other warning signs include increasing redness, eye discharge, or eyelid swelling. These can indicate an infection and should be checked as soon as possible. The same applies to any new visual symptoms, like flashing lights, a sudden increase in floaters, or distorted vision. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's safest to contact your surgical team or attend an emergency eye service so that your eye can be thoroughly examined. Early assessment allows any problems to be treated quickly and helps protect your long-term vision. For more details on this topic, take a look at our cataract surgery risks and complications guide.

Frequently asked questions

When can I do housework after cataract surgery?

You can usually get back to light household tasks within the first few days. This includes simple meal preparation, tidying surfaces and washing dishes. 

Heavier housework usually needs a little more time because it involves bending, lifting or more vigorous movement. This means you’ll need to wait before you vacuum or mop the floors,  or move anything heavy, like laundry baskets or shopping bags. 

Cooking after cataract surgery: what’s safe?

Cooking simple meals is often comfortable within a few days of surgery. Preparing food at a counter, or doing low-risk activities like using the hob and light meal preparation, are usually manageable.

Whilst you’re recovering, it’s recommended that you take care around steam from boiling water and splashes. You should also try to avoid lifting heavy pots or pans. The aim here is to avoid strain or irritation while the eye settles.

Can I fly after cataract surgery?

Flying after cataract surgery is usually possible once the eye has begun healing and your surgeon confirms that travel is appropriate. You need to wait until this has been confirmed for you, as the air inside the cabin is very dry, and this can make the eyes feel uncomfortable during recovery. 

Once you’ve been given the all clear to travel, it's sensible to carry your prescribed eye drops in your hand luggage so you can follow your drop schedule.

When can I wear eye makeup after cataract surgery?

It is advisable to avoid wearing eye makeup during the early stages of recovery because small particles can enter the eye and cause irritation or infection. Most surgeons recommend waiting until the eye has settled before using products such as mascara or eyeliner. Your surgical team will advise when it's safe to resume normal makeup use as part of your post-op assessments. 

Can I drink alcohol after cataract surgery?

Alcohol doesn’t directly affect the healing eye, but it can sometimes increase dryness and irritation. Because of this, moderation is sensible during the early stages of recovery. It's also important to continue using prescribed eye drops on schedule, particularly if alcohol might make it easier to forget a dose.

How long should I wear the eye shield?

Many surgeons recommend wearing a protective eye shield while sleeping during the first few nights after surgery. This helps prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on your eye during sleep. Your surgical team will advise exactly how long the shield should be worn based on your recovery.

Can I sleep on my side after cataract surgery?

Sleeping position advice can vary slightly depending on how the eye is healing. Many patients are advised to avoid sleeping on the side they’ve had the operation on during the early stages of recovery to avoid placing direct pressure on it. Your surgical team will confirm what is safest for you during the first few nights after surgery.

Returning to normal life after cataract surgery

Most people are able to return to normal routines quite quickly after cataract surgery. Light activities such as reading, watching TV and moving around the house often feel comfortable within a short time. Heavier tasks and exercise are then gradually reintroduced as the eye heals.

The early activity restrictions are temporary and are in place to protect your eye as the small incision made during the surgery settles. Avoiding heavy lifting, bending forward, and exposure to water during the initial recovery stages helps to prevent strain on the eye and the risk of irritation or infection.

As healing progresses, you can return to your routines step by step. Follow-up appointments allow your surgical team to check that your eye is recovering normally and to advise when it's safe to return to more demanding activities.

If you have questions about recovery or would like advice on cataract treatment, the specialist team at OCL Vision can provide personalised guidance tailored to your eye health and lifestyle.

For more information on anything this article touches on, take a look at our guides to washing your hair after cataract surgery and risks and complications.