11 Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery
1. Can I shower, wash my face, or get my hair wet after surgery?
You may shower from the neck down the day after your surgery. However, you must avoid splashing water directly on your face, washing your hair in a way that allows water to run down your face, or getting soap and shampoo in the healing eye for about one week. When washing your face, gently use a clean washcloth, avoiding the eye area entirely.
To protect your eye from bacteria and accidental rubbing, do not wear any eye makeup (including mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow) or apply heavy facial creams around the eye area for at least one to two weeks after your procedure. When you do resume, we highly recommend using brand-new makeup products to prevent any risk of infection.
3. What happens if I accidentally blink, sneeze, or cough during the procedure?
This is a very common concern, but you do not need to worry. A small, gentle medical device is used to hold your eyelids open, making it impossible to blink during the procedure. Additionally, our modern surgical systems and lasers allow the surgeon to safely and instantly pause the procedure if you feel a cough or a sneeze coming on.
4. Will I see the surgical instruments or the laser during the operation?
No, you will not see the specific details of the surgical tools or needles. Because your eye is numbed and your vision is temporarily out of focus during the procedure, most patients report seeing only a bright light, a beautiful blur of colors, or moving shapes.
5. Can I watch TV, read, or look at my smartphone immediately after surgery?
Yes. While you must avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting, light visual tasks like reading, watching television, or checking your phone are completely safe to resume as soon as you feel up to it. Keep in mind that your eye may tire a bit faster than usual during the first few days.
6. Can I sleep on my stomach or on the side of my operated eye?
To avoid placing unnecessary pressure on your healing eye, you should sleep on your back or on the opposite side of your treated eye for the first few nights. You will also be provided with a protective plastic eye shield to wear while sleeping or napping during the first week to prevent accidental rubbing.
7. Do I need to stop taking my regular daily medications before surgery?
In most cases, you can take your routine morning medications (such as blood pressure or heart medicine) with a small sip of water on the day of surgery. However, certain blood thinners or specific prostate medications require special management. Our medical team will provide you with exact, personalized instructions during your pre-operative appointment.
8. What should I do if I miss a dose of my post-operative eye drops?
Consistency with your prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops is critical for proper healing. If you miss a dose, apply the drops as soon as you remember. If it is already close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Never double the drops in your eye to “catch up.”
9. Is it safe to fly or travel shortly after cataract surgery?
While the altitude and cabin pressure changes in an airplane will not harm your new intraocular lens, traveling far distances immediately after surgery is generally discouraged. This is because your post-operative follow-up appointments—typically scheduled for the next day and one week later—are critical to ensuring your eye is healing beautifully.
10. How long do I have to wait to get a new prescription for my regular eyeglasses?
Your eye takes time to heal, and your vision will continue to shift and stabilize over several weeks. If you still require a mild prescription for reading or fine distance work, your optometrist will typically measure you for a new, accurate prescription about four to six weeks after your final procedure.
11. Does insurance or Medicare cover the cost of cataract surgery?
11. Does insurance or Medicare cover the cost of cataract surgery?
Yes, most health insurance providers and Medicare completely or significantly cover the cost of traditional cataract surgery using standard monofocal lenses, as long as the procedure is deemed medically necessary. However, if you choose advanced laser cataract surgery or upgrade to a premium IOL (designed to correct astigmatism or eliminate your dependence on reading glasses), those specific additions are considered elective upgrades. These premium components are generally not covered by insurance and require out-of-pocket payment.