Cataract Surgery Preparation: 5 Tips for An Easier Recovery

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful eye surgeries around. It’s done to remove the cloudy natural lens in your eye and replace it with an artificial lens (also called an intraocular lens). After cataract surgery, most people notice a big difference. Colours look brighter, reading gets easier, and that annoying blurred vision clears right up.

The recovery is usually pretty straightforward too. But a bit of prep before your cataract procedure can make it even easier.

At Re:vision, we’ve helped thousands of people through cataract surgery in Auckland. We know what helps before and after surgery, as well as what can get in the way. Below, we’ve pulled together five simple tips to help you feel more ready and recover as comfortably as possible.

Tip 1: Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions

Before your cataract surgery, your eye surgeon will give you some clear instructions to follow. These aren’t just tips to take or leave. Following them properly is important.

If you're on any regular meds, tell your surgeon early so they can give you the right instructions.

You’ll also be given prescribed eye drops to start using either the day before or the morning of your surgery. These help prevent infection and inflammation. Don’t forget them. Skipping or misusing your eye drops can increase cataract surgery risks.

Tip 2: Plan for Your Ride and Rest

You’re not allowed to drive after a cataract procedure, even if you feel fine. Your vision might be blurry or sensitive, and it’s not worth the risk. So, make sure you arrange for someone to drive you home once you're done.

Don’t plan anything else for that day. No grocery runs, no school pickups, no dinner parties. Go home, rest, and leave your eye alone. The anaesthetic wears off fast, but your eye still needs time to settle. You might feel a bit drowsy or light-sensitive, both of which are totally normal and nothing to worry about.

Just put your feet up and relax. That first afternoon really does make a difference to how the next few days go.

Tip 3: Stock Up on Supplies

It's a good idea to do a quick pharmacy run before the day of your surgery. You don’t want to be fumbling around looking for stuff when your eye’s is healing and your vision’s a bit off.

Pick up your prescribed eye drops, which are usually a combo of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops. You’ll start using them right after the surgery and continue for a few weeks.

It's also handy to have:

• A decent pair of sunglasses (your eye will be extra sensitive to light)
• Artificial tears to help with dryness (ask your surgeon if they’re okay to use)
• A box of tissues
• A comfy eye shield (sometimes provided) to stop you rubbing your eye in your sleep

Crossing this stuff off before surgery means you can focus on recovery instead of running errands.

Tip 4: Set Up a Clean Recovery Space

While you don't need to schedule a deep clean for your house, it’s smart to prep a tidy, dust-free space where you can rest after your procedure.

Choose a room where you won’t be bothered by pets, airflow, or clutter. Swap your pillowcase for a clean one, keep a small towel nearby, and avoid having to sit near a heat pump or fan that blows air around. Your eye doesn’t need any extra irritation after cataract surgery.

If you usually share a bed, you might want to sleep solo for a couple of nights, just to avoid accidental elbow-to-eye contact. It happens. Even little things like clearing a walking path to the bathroom can make a big difference when your depth perception’s a bit off.

Tip 5: Take It Slow

The day after your procedure, you might feel totally fine. But that doesn’t mean you’re all healed. Give your eye the time it needs to recover properly. For at least a week after cataract surgery, avoid:

• Lifting anything heavy (groceries, gym stuff, kids, pets)
• Bending over for long periods (think gardening or mopping)
• Getting water or soap in your eye (you can still shower)
• Rubbing your eye, even if it feels itchy

These things might sound small, but they all put pressure on your healing eye or risk infection. And don’t skip your follow-up appointment. That check-up is vital. It's when your surgeon makes sure the new intraocular lens is sitting just right and that there’s no sign of issues like swelling or infection.

It’s easy to feel good and get busy again, but the slower you take it at the start, the better your eye will bounce back.

Cataract Surgery in Auckland

A little prep goes a long way, especially when it comes to your eyes. The more ready you are before your cataract surgery, the easier things tend to go after it.

At Re:vision, we don’t just do the procedure and send you on your way. We support you throughout the whole journey. You'll get clear instructions before surgery, honest answers to your questions, and personal care through your recovery. We’ve helped countless people across Auckland through cataract removal, and we know what works and what doesn’t.

We also understand that no two eyes (or lives) are the same. So if you’ve got questions, concerns, or just want to know what to expect, talk to us. You don’t need to figure it all out on your own. Your vision matters. And we’re here to help you protect it before, during, and after cataract surgery.

Thinking of Cataract Surgery? Talk to our specialist team: Book your free assessment

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