HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Is The Recovery Period After Cataract Surgery?

default
Posted on Fri, 3 Feb 2017
Question: I have had my cataracts removed and since that time I my eyes always seem to be tired and red and bothered by even low light levels. At times my eyes are quite bloodshot. My doctor has prescribed Lotemax ointment which I put on my eye lid every night and nevanac which is use in the morning and pazeo which I also use in the morning. In addition I use timolo maleate for glaucoma and Restatis for dry eye.. During the day, I often use an over the counter drop such as SOOTHE, SYSTANE BALANCE etc.but my situation hasn't improved much. I saw an ad for I CAPS and wonder if y ou think these supplements would help. Also I have seen ads for REFRESH, OCULITE, OPTIQUE, AND SIMILASAON (For irritated eye, allergy eye, dry eye each separate). What is your opinion regarding the value of each of these over the counter eye drops or supplement? Also, what about the prescribed meds that my doctor has prescribed?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (39 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Have noted all your details!
Firstly thanks for choosing health care magic for your query,

You have not mentioned how long back was the cataract surgery done on you.Cataract surgery recovery time is considered to be approximately six to eight weeks.Pain irritation reddening and sensitivity of light is very common in most of the patient and may persist upto 3 months post surgery.Its is also a common experience to encounter increased light sensitivity and a small amount of fluid discharge after cataract surgery.Old age of the patient often make the recovery time longer then normal.
Have gone through your treatment in detail
Your opthalmologist have prescribed you an anti inflammatory,an analgesic,a antihistaminic and this is a good line of treatment,If the condition is not improving with these drug a swab culture from the eye should be taken to rule out infection by bacteria.In case if culture are positive oral administration of antibiotics can be done.However you can ask you opthalmologist to add a antibiotic eye drop like Moxifloxacin till that time ,an antihistaminic can be prescribed by him daily orally also,This will help to fasten recovery from symptoms.

I don't think over counter supplements are going to help you, your are already given a good coverage by your opthalmologist.

Advice
As problem is not resolving go for a swab culture of eye to rule out bacterial infection.
Ask your doctor to add a eye antibiotic till that time.
Follow up with reports.
If possible make a small video of your eye and send it to me.

Thanks!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 hours later)
The cataract surgery has been over two years ago. The only thing I didn't mention was that I am using an over the counter eye wash in the evening before any drops or ointment as advised by the doctor.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Don't use over counter medication!

Detailed Answer:
Hi again
As the operation has been done 2 years back and you are still having problem initally go for a swab culture test of the eyes!
Most likely its a bacterial infection of the eyes and will resolve in few weeks of using oral and eye antibiotics other possibility is the formation of posterior capsular membrane post catarct surgery,It occcurs because the epithelial cells of the natural lens which are remaning after cataract surgery are grown on the lens.
Hower this can be treated very easily by a YAG laser and is a non invasive process ;However initially go for a swab culture test as most likely its bactrial infection.

Don't put any thing by your own in your eye ;Consult your opthalmologist first.

Thanks!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Ophthalmologist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 238 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Is The Recovery Period After Cataract Surgery?

Brief Answer: Detailed answer below! Detailed Answer: Hi, Have noted all your details! Firstly thanks for choosing health care magic for your query, You have not mentioned how long back was the cataract surgery done on you.Cataract surgery recovery time is considered to be approximately six to eight weeks.Pain irritation reddening and sensitivity of light is very common in most of the patient and may persist upto 3 months post surgery.Its is also a common experience to encounter increased light sensitivity and a small amount of fluid discharge after cataract surgery.Old age of the patient often make the recovery time longer then normal. Have gone through your treatment in detail Your opthalmologist have prescribed you an anti inflammatory,an analgesic,a antihistaminic and this is a good line of treatment,If the condition is not improving with these drug a swab culture from the eye should be taken to rule out infection by bacteria.In case if culture are positive oral administration of antibiotics can be done.However you can ask you opthalmologist to add a antibiotic eye drop like Moxifloxacin till that time ,an antihistaminic can be prescribed by him daily orally also,This will help to fasten recovery from symptoms. I don't think over counter supplements are going to help you, your are already given a good coverage by your opthalmologist. Advice As problem is not resolving go for a swab culture of eye to rule out bacterial infection. Ask your doctor to add a eye antibiotic till that time. Follow up with reports. If possible make a small video of your eye and send it to me. Thanks!