How should you use your drops following Cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, your drops reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and support comfortable healing. You'll typically use an antibiotic for about a week plus one or two anti-inflammatory drops for several weeks, but schedules vary, so follow your surgeon's written instructions exactly rather than relying on memory. The two most common mistakes are stopping early because the eye feels fine and applying drops so the medicine never reaches the eye. If the eye becomes more painful, very red, light-sensitive, or vision worsens, call promptly.
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What’s 1 key thing you can do for a smoother recovery after cataract surgery? Learn how to take your post-surgery eye drops BEFORE surgery. During cataract surgery recovery, you’ll need to follow detailed directions for taking—and then slowly stopping—3 types of prescription eye drops… This will include taking an antibiotic drop for about 1 week to prevent infection plus 2 other types of drops for 3–6 weeks to fight inflammation. For a smoother recovery from cataract surgery, read through the directions ahead of time to learn exactly which drops you'll take, when and for how long. Ask your doctor to show you how to take your eye drops. Then, practice taking eye drops before your cataract surgery using artificial tears. Looking for a simpler routine? Ask your doctor about all-in-one (compounded) eye drops at your surgery consultation since they can take time to get. Most importantly, follow your doctor’s directions exactly when taking your eye drops after cataract surgery— and ask if you have any questions.
Medical sources
- aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery
- aao.org/eye-health/diseases/cataracts-iol-implants
This page and video are for general patient education and are not a substitute for a medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Eye conditions vary by individual. For advice about your eyes, schedule an evaluation with May Eye Care Center. In an emergency, call 911.
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