How Long is Recovery After Refractive Cataract Surgery?

doctor looking in man's eye

Refractive cataract surgery is a procedure that uses laser technology to remove cataracts and improve your vision. At Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center, we can replace your cloudy lens with a premium, artificial one. This intraocular lens (IOL) can restore your vision and correct problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. While this procedure is both safe and effective in patients with cataracts, sometimes, people become nervous about recovery.

So what is the recovery time for cataract surgery, and what should you expect during this process? When you schedule a cataract consultation with Dr. Young H. Choi, we can provide helpful information and resources about healing at home. Our clinic near Birmingham, AL is proud to utilize advanced, state-of-the-art technology that makes recovery as seamless as possible. Learn about vision correction surgery by contacting our team for an appointment.

How refractive cataract surgery is performed

Candidates for cataract surgery need to go through an evaluation process so we can determine your current vision problems and if a premium lens can solve them. Dr. Choi will assess your condition and review some of your options for lenses. Refractive cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed on-site at our accredited facility. We can apply a local anesthetic and offer a mild sedative if you feel anxious about the procedure. Laser technology is then used to remove the cataract and damaged lens before placing the new intraocular lens.

What is the recovery time for cataract surgery?

It is normal to experience some blurry vision after surgery. However, your eyesight will continue to improve over time. Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center can offer prescription eye drops and other medications to control side effects, such as inflammation, and make you feel comfortable. So what is the recovery time for cataract surgery? Patients can expect to see clearly through their new lenses after just a couple of days. We will schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure everything is going as planned.

Tips for better healing at home

Recovery from vision correction surgery should be short and uncomplicated as long as you follow our post-operative instructions. Here are some tips about what to avoid to help you through recovery and ensure the best results in Birmingham, AL:

  • Strenuous activities: heavy lifting and rigorous exercises could place strain on the treated area.

  • Driving: since patients have blurry vision immediately after surgery, driving is considered dangerous. We can clear you for driving during a follow-up appointment.

  • Rubbing your eyes: rubbing or scratching your eyes could cause an unwanted complication. Our team can give you tips about relieving itchy eyes.

  • Swimming: do not submerge your eyes in water until you have been cleared by Dr. Choi. The chlorine found in swimming pools is especially harmful to the healing area.

Schedule refractive cataract surgery

Since vision correction surgery has been performed for years, patients enjoy a high success rate and a low rate of complications. If you have any concerns about recovery, speaking with a trusted physician, like Dr. Young H. Choi, can help. Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center can give you the details of your procedure and how to make the process easier. Learn how to get started with refractive cataract surgery by getting a consultation and evaluation in Birmingham, AL.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.