What to expect after lens replacement surgery?

If you’re considering lens replacement surgery, you might be wondering what the recovery process looks like. The good news is that the procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and has a relatively short recovery period. Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect after your surgery.

Immediate Recovery: The first 24 hours

Right after surgery:

• The procedure itself is usually completed in about 20-30 minutes.
• You’ll rest for a short while at the clinic before going home.
• Your vision may be blurry initially, but this improves quickly.
• Some patients experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation in the eye. This is normal and should subside within a few hours.
• You’ll need someone to drive you home, as your vision may not be clear enough to drive immediately

Precautions for the first day:

• Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.
• Rest as much as possible and keep your eyes protected.
• Use the prescribed eye drops to aid healing and prevent infection.
• Wear protective eyewear, especially while sleeping, to avoid accidental contact with your eye.

The first week: Gradual improvement

• Vision clarity improves daily, though some fluctuations in sharpness are normal.
• Most patients can resume normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.
• You may notice halos or glare around lights, particularly at night. These usually diminish over time.
• It’s essential to attend your follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing.
• Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and swimming during the first week.

One month and beyond: Full recovery

• By two to four weeks, most people experience sharp, stable vision.
• Any remaining light sensitivity or glare typically improves.
• If you had multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus lenses, your brain will need some time to adapt to the new way of seeing.
• By six weeks, most patients have fully adjusted and enjoy clear, glasses-free vision.

Tips for a smooth recovery

• Use eye drops as prescribed – They help with healing and prevent dryness.
• Protect your eyes – Avoid dusty environments, wear sunglasses outdoors, and don’t rub your eyes.
• Follow your doctor’s advice – Attend all scheduled check-ups and follow activity restrictions.
• Be patient – While many patients see clearly within a few days, full adaptation can take a few weeks.

If you’re tired of relying on reading glasses or dealing with vision issues, lens replacement could be a life-changing solution. At My Eye Clinic, we offer state-of-the-art procedures to help you achieve clearer, sharper vision.

Find out if you’re a candidate by taking our quick online suitability self-test today!