What Should I Avoid After Cataract Surgery? A Practical Patient Guide

Author: Dr Val Phua
Estimated reading time: 20 minutes

Cataract surgery is usually performed through very small corneal incisions, and most patients recover without difficulty. However, the eye is not completely healed when you leave the surgical centre.

During the early recovery period, the corneal incisions must seal, inflammation must settle, the surface of the eye must recover and the new intraocular lens must stabilise within the lens capsule.

Most postoperative precautions are intended to reduce four main risks:

• Rubbing, pressing or injuring the operated eye
• Exposing the healing eye to contaminated water or debris
• Performing strenuous activities before the eye is ready
• Missing medication or overlooking symptoms of a complication

Modern small-incision cataract surgery often allows an early return to light daily activities. Evidence supporting very strict restrictions after uncomplicated surgery is limited, and instructions vary between ophthalmologists.

Your surgeon’s specific advice should always take priority, particularly if your surgery was complex or combined with another eye procedure.

What Should You Avoid Immediately After Cataract Surgery?

Do Not Drive Yourself Home

You should not drive on the day of surgery.

Your vision may be affected by:

• Pupil-dilating eye drops
• Mild corneal swelling
• An eye pad or shield
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Sedative medication
• A temporary difference between the two eyes

Even if the operated eye seems clearer, your depth perception, reaction time and judgement may not yet be reliable.

Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home.

Do Not Rub or Press the Operated Eye

Rubbing is one of the most important things to avoid after cataract surgery.

The eye may initially feel:

• Itchy
• Gritty
• Watery
• Slightly irritated
• As though an eyelash is trapped beneath the eyelid

These sensations can tempt you to touch or rub the eye. However, pressure may irritate the incision, disturb the ocular surface or introduce microorganisms.

What should you do if the eye feels itchy?

Instead of rubbing:

• Close the eyelids gently.
• Use prescribed lubricating drops.
• Wipe tears from the cheek rather than directly across the eye.
• Wear the protective shield when instructed.
• Contact the clinic if the itching is severe or accompanied by swelling or discharge.

Do not squeeze the eyelids tightly.

Do Not Touch the Eye-Drop Bottle to Your Eye

The bottle tip should not touch:

• The eye
• Eyelashes
• Eyelids
• Skin
• Fingers

Contact can contaminate the bottle and may also scratch the healing ocular surface.

Wash your hands before using your drops and replace the cap immediately afterwards.

Avoid Sleeping With Pressure on the Operated Eye

During the first few nights, avoid sleeping with the operated eye pressed firmly into the pillow.

Your ophthalmologist may recommend:

• Sleeping on your back
• Sleeping on the opposite side
• Wearing a plastic eye shield
• Avoiding direct pressure for several nights

There is no single eye-protection regimen that is necessary for every patient. Follow the instructions provided by your own surgeon.

Avoid Getting Water, Soap or Shampoo Into the Eye

Can You Shower After Cataract Surgery?

You can usually shower carefully, but avoid directing water at the operated eye during the early recovery period.

Keep the eyelids gently closed when washing your face or hair.

Avoid:

• Forceful shower spray onto the face
• Splashing water directly into the eye
• Rubbing the eyelids with a towel
• Allowing shampoo or soap to run into the eye

How Should You Wash Your Face?

Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe around the eye.

Clean the area carefully:

• Keep the operated eye closed.
• Wipe away from the eye.
• Avoid pressing on the eyelid.
• Do not remove antiseptic staining by vigorous rubbing.
• Use a clean section of the cloth for each pass.

Mild yellow or brown staining around the eyelids may be caused by the antiseptic solution used during surgery. It should gradually fade with gentle washing.

How Should You Wash Your Hair?

Tilt your head backwards so that water flows away from your face.

You may find it easier to:

• Have someone assist you
• Use a handheld showerhead
• Wash your hair at a salon with your head tilted backwards
• Wait until you feel steady enough to manage safely

Avoid Swimming and Hot Tubs

Swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes and seawater may expose the healing eye to microorganisms and irritating chemicals.

Many ophthalmologists advise avoiding swimming for approximately two weeks following uncomplicated cataract surgery. Longer restrictions may apply if the eye has not fully healed or if the operation was complicated.

Avoid these water activities initially:

• Swimming pools
• Hot tubs
• Jacuzzis
• Lakes
• Rivers
• Seawater
• Water parks
• Diving

Swimming goggles do not completely remove the risk of contaminated water entering the eye.

Resume swimming only after your ophthalmologist confirms that it is safe.

Avoid Heavy Lifting and Strenuous Exercise

Why Is Strenuous Activity Restricted?

Strenuous activity may temporarily increase pressure within the eye or cause you to strain, hold your breath, sweat heavily or make sudden movements.

The main practical concerns are:

• Accidental trauma
• Falls
• Rubbing sweat from the eye
• Lifting while holding your breath
• Sudden head or body movement
• Exercising before vision and depth perception have stabilised

Traditional postoperative instructions frequently restrict strenuous activity, heavy lifting and swimming during the first week. However, the appropriate restriction should be individualised.

What Counts as Heavy Lifting?

There is no universally applicable weight limit.

Heavy lifting may include:

• Large suitcases
• Heavy grocery bags
• Full laundry baskets
• Large water containers
• Heavy gym weights
• Furniture
• Carrying another adult
• Repeatedly lifting a child when significant straining is required

The important issue is not only the weight. Avoid lifting that makes you:

• Hold your breath
• Strain strongly
• Bend suddenly
• Lose your balance
• Feel pressure or discomfort around the eye

Avoid Holding Your Breath While Lifting

Holding your breath and straining during exertion is known as the Valsalva manoeuvre.

Safer lifting habits include:

• Breathe continuously.
• Use lighter weights.
• Avoid lifting to failure.
• Stop if you feel facial or eye pressure.
• Ask for help with heavy objects.

When Can You Exercise Again?

The timing depends on the type and intensity of exercise.

Light walking

Gentle walking is usually acceptable once you feel steady.

Take additional care because the two eyes may temporarily have different prescriptions, affecting balance and depth perception.

Light exercise

Gentle stationary cycling, stretching and low-intensity exercise may often be resumed relatively early after uncomplicated surgery, provided your surgeon agrees.

Avoid positions in which:

• Your head is substantially below your heart
• You must strain
• Sweat runs into the eye
• You risk falling
• You risk being struck in the face

Strenuous exercise

Running, intense cardiovascular exercise, high-intensity interval training and heavy resistance training should be resumed gradually.

Do not return immediately to your previous intensity.

Avoid Heavy Gym Workouts Initially

During the early recovery period, avoid:

• Heavy squats
• Deadlifts
• Bench presses with maximal effort
• Overhead lifting
• Leg presses requiring straining
• CrossFit-style high-intensity workouts
• Inverted exercises
• Exercises performed to muscular failure

When returning to the gym:

1. Start with lighter resistance.
2. Breathe normally.
3. Avoid rubbing sweat from your eyes.
4. Stop if you experience pain or visual disturbance.
5. Increase intensity gradually.

Avoid Contact Sports and Eye-Injury Risks

Why Are Contact Sports Different?

The major concern is not ordinary movement but direct impact to the healing eye.

Avoid activities in which a ball, racket, elbow, hand or opponent could strike your face.

Sports Commonly Delayed During Recovery

These may include:

• Boxing
• Martial arts
• Rugby
• Football
• Basketball
• Water polo
• Hockey
• Squash
• Badminton
• Tennis
• Padel
• Contact training
• Combat sports

The exact return date depends on your healing, visual stability and the likelihood of impact.

Tennis and Padel

Tennis and padel involve:

• Rapid changes in direction
• Sudden head movement
• Risk of falling
• Fast-moving balls
• Accidental racket or partner contact

Do not return simply because your distance vision seems clear.

Wait until:

• Your ophthalmologist confirms that the eye is healing normally.
• Your depth perception is reliable.
• You can judge the speed and position of the ball.
• You can move without dizziness or imbalance.

Protective sports eyewear can reduce the risk of eye injury when you resume.

Avoid Dusty Outdoor Exercise

Running, cycling or outdoor sport in a dusty, smoky or windy environment may irritate the ocular surface.

Wraparound glasses can help once outdoor exercise is permitted, but they do not replace the need to wait until the eye has adequately healed.

Avoid Repeated Deep Bending and Straining

Is Bending Over Dangerous?

Brief, gentle bending is unlikely to undo an uncomplicated modern cataract operation.

However, many surgeons recommend avoiding repeated deep bending during the initial recovery period, especially when bending is combined with lifting, breath-holding or straining.

Safer Ways to Reach the Floor

Instead of bending abruptly from the waist:

• Bend your knees.
• Keep your head relatively upright.
• Hold onto a stable surface.
• Ask someone else to retrieve heavy items.
• Avoid remaining head-down for prolonged periods.

Avoid Head-Down Yoga Positions Initially

Temporarily avoid positions such as:

• Headstands
• Handstands
• Shoulder stands
• Deep forward folds
• Downward-facing positions held for long periods
• Inversions requiring strain or balance

Gentle upright stretching may be resumed earlier when your surgeon approves.

Avoid Eye Makeup and Cosmetic Products

Why Should Eye Makeup Be Delayed?

Eye makeup and applicators may introduce:

• Bacteria
• Particles
• Irritating chemicals
• Adhesive
• Fibres
• Accidental pressure

Mascara and eyeliner are applied close to the eyelid margin, where contamination can reach the ocular surface.

Products to Avoid Initially

These include:

• Mascara
• Eyeliner
• Eyeshadow
• False eyelashes
• Eyelash glue
• Eyelid tape
• Glitter
• Cosmetic contact lenses
• Creams applied directly along the eyelid margin

Many surgeons advise avoiding eye makeup for at least one week, although the recommended interval varies.

Replace Old Eye Makeup

Old mascara, eyeliner and applicators may harbour microorganisms.

Consider replacing products used immediately before surgery, particularly if they are old or have been shared.

Facial Creams and Sunscreen

You may use facial products away from the eye, but avoid allowing the following to enter the operated eye:

• Cream
• Oil
• Sunscreen
• Makeup remover
• Facial cleanser

Apply products carefully and avoid pulling on the eyelids.

Avoid Dust, Smoke and Chemical Irritants

Dusty Environments

Dust can irritate the ocular surface and tempt you to rub the eye.

Avoid or limit exposure to:

• Construction sites
• Renovation work
• Woodworking
• Gardening in loose soil
• Sweeping dusty areas
• Shaking rugs
• Sand
• Industrial debris

Wear protective glasses when returning to these environments.

Smoke and Fumes

Avoid direct exposure to:

• Cigarette smoke
• Barbecue smoke
• Incense
• Haze
• Chemical fumes
• Paint fumes
• Strong cleaning products
• Aerosol sprays

Smoke and chemicals can worsen dryness, redness and irritation.

Be Careful When Cooking

Light cooking is generally possible when you feel steady.

Avoid:

• Hot oil splashing towards the face
• Strong steam directed at the eye
• Leaning directly over boiling pots
• Carrying heavy cookware
• Smoke from frying
• Rubbing the eye after handling spices or chilli

Wash your hands thoroughly before using your eye drops.

Do Not Miss or Change Your Eye Drops Without Advice

Avoid Skipping Medication

Postoperative drops are used to control inflammation and, depending on your surgeon’s protocol, reduce the risk of infection or macular swelling.

Missing repeated doses may allow inflammation to become inadequately controlled.

Do Not Stop Steroid Drops Suddenly

Steroid drops are often reduced gradually.

Do not stop them simply because:

• The eye feels comfortable
• Vision has improved
• The bottle is almost empty
• You are concerned about using steroids
• You missed a follow-up appointment

Stopping treatment too early may allow inflammation to return.

Do Not Increase Steroid Drops Yourself

Increasing steroid drops without an examination can also be harmful, particularly in patients who develop steroid-related eye-pressure elevation.

Contact your clinic if redness, discomfort or blurred vision returns while the medication is being reduced.

Avoid Using Someone Else’s Eye Drops

Do not use drops prescribed for:

• A family member
• A previous operation
• The other eye
• An unrelated eye infection

Eye-drop bottles that look similar may contain completely different medications.

Do Not Use Expired or Contaminated Bottles

Do not continue using a bottle if:

• The tip has touched an unclean surface
• The liquid has changed colour
• The bottle is damaged
• It has passed its expiry date
• It was opened long ago and is no longer intended for use

Contact the clinic if you need a replacement bottle.

Avoid Driving Until Your Vision Is Safe

Do Not Drive on the Day of Surgery

Vision, pupil size, reaction time and depth perception may all be affected.

Sedation can impair judgement even when you do not feel obviously drowsy.

Good Eye-Chart Vision Is Not the Only Requirement

You should not drive until you can comfortably manage:

• Depth perception
• Peripheral awareness
• Traffic lights
• Pedestrians
• Oncoming vehicles
• Lane positioning
• Glare
• Sudden changes in illumination

A patient may read an eye chart well but still feel unsafe because of glare or imbalance between the eyes.

Avoid Night Driving if Halos or Glare Persist

Night driving may be more difficult because of:

• Dilated pupils
• Dryness
• Corneal swelling
• Residual refractive error
• Multifocal-lens optics
• Early neuroadaptation
• Imbalance between the operated and unoperated eyes

Do not test your vision for the first time in heavy traffic, rain or poor lighting.

Do Not Drive While Using Sedating Medication

Any sedative medication used during surgery may affect reaction time for several hours.

Follow the anaesthetic team’s instructions regarding driving and operating machinery.

Avoid Contact Lenses in the Operated Eye

Why Should Contact Lenses Be Avoided?

A contact lens may:

• Irritate the healing ocular surface
• Introduce microorganisms
• Interfere with eye drops
• Mask symptoms
• Cause dryness
• Rub near the incision

Do not insert a contact lens into the operated eye unless your ophthalmologist specifically approves it.

What About the Other Eye?

A contact lens may sometimes be used in the unoperated eye to reduce a large prescription difference between the eyes.

This should be discussed with your ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Hygiene is especially important because your hands will also be handling postoperative eye drops.

Avoid Wearing Unsuitable Old Glasses Without Caution

Why Can Old Glasses Feel Strange?

The operated eye may now have a very different prescription.

Old glasses may cause:

• Blur
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Image-size differences
• Poor depth perception
• Difficulty with stairs
• Visual imbalance

Do Not Force Yourself to Adapt

Temporary options may include:

• Removing the lens in front of the operated eye
• Wearing glasses only for selected tasks
• Using temporary reading glasses
• Obtaining a temporary prescription
• Using a contact lens in the unoperated eye
• Waiting for second-eye surgery

Seek professional advice rather than modifying prescription lenses yourself.

Avoid Rushing to Order Expensive New Glasses

The Prescription May Still Change

The cornea, tear film and inflammation need time to stabilise.

Although refraction may stabilise relatively early in many uncomplicated cases, some patients continue to experience changes during the first few weeks.

When Are New Glasses Usually Prescribed?

Many patients are assessed after several weeks, although earlier correction may be considered when:

• The eye is healing predictably
• The prescription is stable
• The second eye is not undergoing surgery soon
• Vision is needed urgently for work
• The patient is experiencing significant imbalance

Do not assume that all blurred vision is caused by a glasses prescription. Persistent blur may require further examination.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol Immediately After Surgery

Alcohol and Sedation

Avoid alcohol on the day of surgery, particularly if you received sedative medication.

Alcohol may:

• Increase drowsiness
• Impair balance
• Interact with medication
• Increase the risk of falling
• Make it harder to follow eye-drop instructions
• Contribute to dehydration and dry-eye symptoms

Follow the anaesthetist’s instructions, which may require avoiding alcohol for at least 24 hours.

Alcohol During Recovery

Moderate alcohol consumption later in recovery does not usually affect the intraocular lens directly.

However, avoid drinking enough to:

• Impair judgement
• Increase fall risk
• Cause you to forget medication
• Make accidental eye rubbing more likely

Avoid Flying Only When There Is a Specific Reason

Routine Cataract Surgery Usually Does Not Use a Gas Bubble

Commercial air travel is generally not prohibited solely because uncomplicated cataract surgery has been performed.

However, avoid travelling too soon if:

• You will miss an important follow-up
• You cannot access emergency eye care
• Your vision is unstable
• Your operation was complicated
• You have significant inflammation
• You have difficulty administering drops
• A combined retinal procedure was performed

Intraocular Gas Is Different

Strict flying restrictions apply when retinal surgery has placed a gas bubble inside the eye.

Do not fly with intraocular gas unless your retinal surgeon has confirmed that the bubble has resolved.

This is different from routine cataract surgery.

Avoid Heavy Luggage

Even when flying is permitted, do not lift heavy suitcases into overhead compartments during early recovery.

Ask for assistance.

Avoid Missing Follow-Up Appointments

Feeling Well Does Not Guarantee That Everything Is Normal

Some postoperative findings cause few or no symptoms.

Follow-up examinations may detect:

• Raised eye pressure
• Excessive inflammation
• Corneal swelling
• Wound problems
• Intraocular lens positioning issues
• Macular swelling
• Infection
• Retinal problems

Attend your appointment even if your vision seems excellent.

Do Not Wait for a Scheduled Appointment if Symptoms Worsen

Contact your ophthalmologist earlier if you develop:

• Increasing pain
• Worsening vision
• Increasing redness
• New flashes or floaters
• A dark curtain
• Marked swelling
• Discharge

Activities You Usually Do Not Need to Avoid

Reading

Reading does not loosen the intraocular lens or reopen the incision.

You may read when comfortable.

Increase the font size and take breaks if the eye becomes tired or dry.

Watching Television

Watching television does not damage the healing eye.

Adjust the brightness and viewing distance for comfort.

Using a Phone or Computer

Screen use is generally safe.

It may contribute to dryness because people blink less frequently when concentrating.

Make screen use more comfortable:

• Increase the text size.
• Reduce glare.
• Blink regularly.
• Use prescribed lubricants.
• Take periodic breaks.
• Avoid using a very bright screen in a dark room.

Light Household Activity

Light tasks are generally acceptable when you feel steady.

Examples include:

• Preparing a simple meal
• Folding clothes
• Walking around the home
• Light desk work
• Listening to music
• Reading
• Gentle personal care

Avoid turning light activity into strenuous cleaning or lifting.

Normal Walking

Gentle walking supports general mobility and does not usually harm an uncomplicated cataract wound.

Take care on stairs and uneven surfaces until your depth perception has stabilised.

A Practical Timeline of What to Avoid

During the First 24 Hours

Avoid:

• Driving
• Alcohol after sedation
• Rubbing or pressing the eye
• Getting water directly into the eye
• Heavy lifting
• Strenuous exercise
• Cooking with hot oil or strong steam
• Operating machinery
• Sleeping with pressure on the operated eye
• Removing the eye shield when instructed to keep it on

Usually acceptable:

• Resting
• Walking around the home
• Eating normally
• Watching television
• Brief phone use
• Reading if comfortable
• Using prescribed drops

During the First Week

Continue to avoid:

• Eye rubbing
• Heavy lifting and straining
• High-intensity exercise
• Contact sports
• Swimming
• Hot tubs
• Dusty or smoky environments
• Eye makeup
• Direct water spray
• Driving until vision is safe

Activities that may gradually resume:

• Office work
• Light walking
• Reading
• Screen use
• Light cooking
• Gentle household activities

During Weeks Two to Four

Many patients can gradually return to most activities if the eye is healing normally.

Continue to avoid activities involving:

• Direct eye impact
• Contaminated water
• Extreme straining
• Significant fall risk
• Poor visual judgement

Swimming, strenuous exercise and sport should resume only according to your ophthalmologist’s advice.

After Approximately Four to Six Weeks

Following uncomplicated surgery, the eye is usually substantially healed.

Most normal activities can generally resume.

Patients with complicated surgery, combined glaucoma or retinal procedures, corneal disease or persistent inflammation may require longer restrictions.

Who May Need Stricter or Longer Restrictions?

Patients With Complicated Surgery

Additional precautions may be needed after:

• Posterior capsule rupture
• Vitreous loss
• A larger incision
• Sutures
• Weak zonules
• Pupil-expansion devices
• Retained lens material
• Placement of the lens outside the usual capsular position

Patients Having Combined Procedures

Advice may differ after cataract surgery combined with:

• Glaucoma surgery
• Corneal transplantation
• Vitrectomy
• Retinal-detachment repair
• Macular surgery

The restrictions required for the additional procedure may be more important than those for cataract surgery itself.

Patients With Glaucoma

Eye-pressure monitoring may be particularly important.

Avoid changing glaucoma medication without consulting your ophthalmologist.

Patients With Diabetes or Retinal Disease

These patients may have a higher risk of postoperative macular swelling and may require additional medication or imaging.

Patients With Corneal Disease

Conditions such as Fuchs endothelial dystrophy may result in slower clearance of corneal swelling and delayed visual recovery.

Patients With Mobility or Cognitive Difficulties

Additional help may be needed to prevent:

• Falls
• Eye rubbing
• Incorrect eye-drop use
• Accidental removal of the shield
• Missed appointments

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Severe or Increasing Eye Pain

Mild grittiness is common. Severe or progressively worsening pain is not.

Urgent assessment is especially important when pain is associated with:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Redness
• Hazy vision
• Sudden visual loss

Sudden or Significant Loss of Vision

Seek urgent attention if your vision:

• Suddenly becomes blurred
• Worsens after initially improving
• Becomes dark or shadowed
• Is substantially worse than earlier in the day

Increasing Redness

A small localised blood spot may be harmless.

Redness spreading across the eye, particularly with pain, discharge or worsening vision, should be assessed urgently.

New Flashes, Floaters or a Curtain

Report:

• New flashes of light
• A sudden shower of floaters
• A dark curtain
• Missing peripheral vision
• A shadow that does not move away

These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment.

Thick Discharge or Marked Swelling

Mild watering is common.

Thick discharge, increasing eyelid swelling or difficulty opening the eye is not part of routine recovery.

Signs of Possible Endophthalmitis

Endophthalmitis is a rare but serious infection inside the eye.

Symptoms may include:

• Increasing pain
• Increasing redness
• Worsening vision
• Light sensitivity
• Eyelid swelling
• Discharge

Not every patient develops severe pain, so worsening vision after cataract surgery should always be taken seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bend Down to Tie My Shoes?

Brief, gentle bending is usually acceptable after uncomplicated surgery, but avoid sudden deep bending combined with straining.

Sit down and bring your foot towards you when possible.

Can I Carry My Grandchild?

Avoid carrying a child if the weight makes you strain or if the child may accidentally hit or grab your eye.

Ask your ophthalmologist when heavier lifting can resume.

Can I Sleep Normally?

You can sleep, but avoid pressing the operated eye into the pillow.

Wear the protective shield when instructed.

Can I Wash My Hair?

Yes, but tilt your head backwards and prevent shampoo and water from entering the eye.

Can I Cook?

Light cooking is usually acceptable.

Avoid hot oil splashes, strong steam, smoke and heavy cookware.

Can I Use My Phone?

Yes. Phone use does not damage the eye or move the intraocular lens.

Take breaks if the eye becomes dry or tired.

Can I Watch Television?

Yes. Adjust the brightness and viewing distance for comfort.

Can I Pray or Kneel?

Gentle kneeling is usually possible if you are steady.

Avoid prolonged deep bending, sudden head-down movements and straining during the early recovery period.

Can I Go to Church, the Office or a Restaurant?

You may go out when you feel comfortable and your vision is safe.

Avoid crowded situations in which the eye could be accidentally struck, and stay away from smoky or dusty environments.

Can I Travel by Car?

You may travel as a passenger.

Wear a seatbelt and avoid rubbing the eye. Sunglasses may help with light sensitivity.

Can I Fly?

Flying is usually possible after uncomplicated cataract surgery, but plan around your follow-up appointments and ask for help with heavy luggage.

Different rules apply if a retinal gas bubble is present.

When Can I Swim?

A commonly advised interval is approximately two weeks after uncomplicated cataract surgery, provided the eye is healing normally.

Your surgeon may recommend waiting longer.

When Can I Return to Tennis or Padel?

Return only when:

• The eye is healing normally.
• Vision and depth perception are stable.
• Your surgeon permits strenuous exercise.
• The risk of accidental eye impact is acceptable.

Protective eyewear should be considered.

When Can I Wear Eye Makeup?

Many surgeons advise waiting at least one week, but your own postoperative instructions should take priority.

Ensure that applicators and products are clean.

Can I Rub the Other Eye?

Avoid touching either eye with unwashed hands.

Be particularly careful not to rub the operated eye accidentally when waking or washing your face.

What Happens if I Accidentally Rub My Eye?

A brief, gentle touch may not cause harm.

Contact the clinic if rubbing was forceful or is followed by:

• Pain
• Worsening vision
• Redness
• Watering
• A new foreign-body sensation
• Discharge

What Happens if Water Gets Into My Eye?

Do not panic.

Avoid rubbing the eye and continue using your medication as directed.

Contact the clinic if the water was contaminated or if you subsequently develop pain, redness, discharge or worsening vision.

The Most Important Things to Avoid

After cataract surgery, focus on avoiding the risks that matter most:

• Do not rub or press the eye.
• Do not drive until your vision is safe.
• Avoid contaminated water and swimming initially.
• Avoid heavy lifting, straining and strenuous exercise during early recovery.
• Avoid contact sports and direct eye injury.
• Avoid dust, smoke and chemical irritation.
• Avoid eye makeup until the eyelids and ocular surface have recovered.
• Do not miss, stop or change prescribed drops without advice.
• Do not miss follow-up appointments.
• Do not ignore worsening pain, redness or vision.

Many ordinary activities—including reading, watching television, walking and using a phone—are generally safe when performed comfortably.

Because recovery differs between individuals, the instructions from your ophthalmologist should always take priority over generic timelines.

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