Will I Need To Take Time Off From Work After Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and effective vision-restoring procedures performed today. For many, it means the chance to see clearly again, and with minimal downtime and disruption to daily life and work. However, patients often wonder exactly how much time they should take off work after cataract surgery.  While cataract surgery recovery time will vary depending on your adherence to the recovery process and the type of work you do, there are some steps you can take to ensure any interruptions to your daily life are minimal following cataract surgery.

What to Expect on The Day of Surgery

Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home the same day, and the surgery itself often takes around 20 minutes. In total, it usually only takes a few hours from check-in to discharge.

On the day of surgery, you will receive local anesthesia with mild sedation. You’ll be awake, but relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure. Immediately after the procedure, there’s a brief monitoring period before you can head home. Given that your eye may be covered and you might still be feeling the effects of the mild sedation, along with blurred vision and sensitivity to bright lights, you should bring someone along to help you get home safely.

When you return home, your eye may be covered with a protective eye shield. Blurry vision, light sensitivity, and mild discomfort are normal in the hours following surgery. The primary focus immediately after the procedure will be to rest and avoid any physical activity that could put pressure on the eye.

The First Few Days of Cataract Surgery Recovery

Your eye needs time to heal, and the first few days are especially important. During this initial period, here is what you should plan to prioritize and consider when deciding what impact this may have on your work or day-to-day activities:

Rest and Protection

• Wear your protective eye shield as directed, especially at night.
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eye.
• Refrain from bending, strenuous movement, or lifting heavy objects, which can increase pressure on your eye as your eye heals.

Stay Consistent With  Prescribed Eye Drops

Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Taking these eye drops on schedule is crucial to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

Expect Impacts to Your Vision While Recovering

Vision typically begins to improve within a few days, but may fluctuate as your eye adjusts. Some blurriness or halos are common early on. If you experience sudden vision loss, increased pain, or flashes of light, contact your ophthalmologist right away.

When Can You Return to Work?

This depends on the type of job you have, your overall health, and how your eye is healing. Here’s a general guide:

Office Work

You may be able to return to work within a few days to a week, especially if your job doesn’t involve strenuous activity. Just be mindful of screen time and take regular breaks to avoid eye strain.

Physically Demanding Jobs

Jobs that involve heavy lifting, bending, or exposure to dust and debris may require more recovery time.  For these jobs, you can expect between 1 to 2 weeks, or longer, depending on your cataract surgeon’s guidance.

Jobs Requiring Sharp Vision

If your work involves close visual tasks or driving, you may need to wait until your vision stabilizes. This can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Exposure to Dust or Hazards

Environments with high risk for eye irritation may require extended time off to protect your healing eye.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery (and a Confident Return to Work)

• Get Plenty of Rest: Being well-rested is one of the most impactful ways you can speed up the healing process.
• Don’t Forget Your Eye Drops: Stick to your prescription eye drop schedule.
• Avoid Eye Strain: Limit screen time and reading during the early recovery period, which can lead to unnecessary strain.
• Shield Your Eye: Continue wearing the shield as advised.
• Stay in Touch with Your Employer: Keep them updated on your recovery and return timeline.
• Follow Up With Your Surgeon: Follow-up appointments help your doctor monitor your healing and can help determine when it’s generally safe to resume normal activities and a normal work schedule for your specific circumstances.  These appointments are also important to address any post-surgery complications that may arise.

While you’ll need to take some time off work after cataract surgery, the recovery is generally smooth and quick. The exact amount of time you’ll need depends on your job, your eye health, and your body’s healing response.

While the full recovery time from cataract surgery varies, at ICON Eyecare, our experienced cataract surgeons will provide personalized guidance so you know exactly when it’s safe to return to your daily routine. 

Considering cataract surgery? Schedule a consultation with ICON Eyecare and take the next step toward better vision.