You should not drive immediately after cataract surgery. Your vision may be blurry, hazy, or fluctuate during the early stages of recovery. Your ophthalmologist will let you know when your vision is clear and stable enough for you to drive safely.

Many patients can return to work relatively quickly, particularly if they have a desk job or other light-duty work. If your job involves heavy lifting, strenuous activity, dust, chemicals, or other potential eye irritants, you may need additional time to recover. Your surgeon can recommend a timeline based on your work and healing.

Light activity may be allowed soon after surgery, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting may need to be avoided while your eye heals. Swimming and activities that could expose your eye to contaminated water may also be restricted temporarily. Follow your surgeon's specific instructions before returning to your normal workout routine.

Mild irritation, blurry vision, and light sensitivity can occur during normal recovery. However, contact your eye doctor promptly if you experience significant or worsening pain, sudden vision loss, severe redness, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, or another significant change in your vision. These symptoms may require prompt evaluation.