Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful operations carried out today. It restores clear vision for millions of people every year, but just like with any surgical procedure, there’s an essential recovery period where you need to take extra care of your eye. Many patients are unsure of what they can and can’t do after surgery — questions like “Can I bend down? Can I drive? How soon can I use my phone?” are among the most frequent ones asked in clinic.
So, let’s walk through the restrictions step by step. I’ll explain why each precaution is recommended, how long it typically lasts, and what it means for your daily routine. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect and how to give your eye the best chance of healing smoothly.
Why Restrictions Matter After Cataract Surgery
The procedure itself is quick and painless for most patients, but your eye still goes through a healing process afterwards. The small incision made during surgery needs time to settle, the artificial lens implant has to stabilise, and the delicate tissues of the eye are vulnerable to infection or injury.
Restrictions aren’t about making life difficult — they’re there to keep you safe. Simple actions like rubbing your eye, lifting something heavy, or even getting soap in your eye can cause pressure changes or introduce bacteria at a time when the eye is most vulnerable. Following the advice your surgeon gives is just as important as the surgery itself.
Driving After Cataract Surgery
Driving is one of the most common concerns people have. The good news is that cataract surgery can significantly improve vision, and many patients are keen to get back behind the wheel. However, the law in the UK requires you to meet the DVLA’s vision standard before driving again, and your surgeon will usually advise waiting until your eye has settled enough to be safe.
In most cases, patients can return to driving within a few days to a week, provided they feel comfortable and their vision is clear enough. It’s vital not to rush this step. Driving before your eye is ready could put both you and others at risk. If in doubt, check with your surgeon at your post-operative appointment before resuming.
Lifting and Strenuous Activity
Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or anything that makes you strain can increase the pressure inside your eye. This is called intraocular pressure, and if it spikes during the early healing phase, it can cause problems with the incision or even the positioning of the new lens implant.
That’s why most surgeons recommend avoiding lifting anything heavier than a kettle for the first week or two. You’ll usually be told to avoid gym workouts, swimming, or contact sports for a few weeks too. Once your eye has healed, you can gradually return to your normal activity level, but always check before resuming intense exercise.
Bending Down and Household Tasks
Something as simple as bending over to tie your shoes or pick something up can increase pressure inside your eye. For this reason, it’s recommended to avoid bending at the waist as much as possible in the first week. Instead, try bending your knees or squatting down to keep your head level.
Household tasks like hoovering, gardening, or carrying shopping bags should also be put on hold in the early recovery stage. These activities might feel harmless, but they often involve sudden movement, strain, or dust exposure — all things that can interfere with smooth healing.
Showering, Bathing, and Washing Your Hair
Water can be a source of bacteria, and if it gets into your eye too soon after surgery, it may increase the risk of infection. That doesn’t mean you need to avoid bathing altogether — but you do need to be careful.
Most surgeons advise that you can shower the day after surgery, but you should avoid getting water directly into your eye for at least a week. The same goes for washing your hair: tilt your head back, keep shampoo away from your eyes, and avoid splashing. Baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools are best avoided for at least 2–4 weeks, depending on your surgeon’s guidance.
Rubbing or Touching Your Eye
It might be tempting to rub your eye if it feels itchy or gritty after surgery, but this is one of the most important restrictions to follow. Rubbing can interfere with the healing incision, disturb the position of the new lens, or introduce bacteria from your hands into the eye.
If you experience irritation, your surgeon will likely give you lubricating drops to relieve it. Using your prescribed drops regularly will not only help with comfort but also reduce inflammation and lower the risk of infection. Try to remind yourself that any irritation is temporary and usually settles within days to weeks.
Screen Time and Reading
In today’s world, it’s natural to worry about how soon you can use your phone, watch television, or get back to reading after surgery. The reassuring news is that these activities don’t harm your eye, but they may cause temporary discomfort or strain.
Many patients notice that their eyes tire more quickly in the first week, so it’s best to take breaks, use good lighting, and avoid marathon sessions on screens or books. As the eye heals, your comfort level improves, and you can gradually increase the time you spend on these activities.
Returning to Work
When you can return to work depends on the type of job you do. If your work is desk-based, many people can return within a few days. However, if your job involves heavy lifting, dusty environments, or physical activity, you may need to take two to four weeks off to protect your eye.
It’s always best to discuss your specific job requirements with your surgeon in advance so you can plan accordingly. Remember, it’s not just about what feels comfortable, but about ensuring your eye is fully protected as it heals.
Sleeping Position and Eye Protection
After surgery, you’ll usually be advised to wear an eye shield at night for at least the first week. This helps protect your eye from accidental knocks or rubbing while you sleep.
You may also be told to avoid sleeping on the operated side for a week or two, as pressure on the healing eye could be harmful. Using extra pillows to keep your head elevated can help reduce swelling and promote comfort.
Travelling After Cataract Surgery
Short trips, including car journeys, are usually fine once your vision is stable. But if you’re planning air travel, it’s best to wait at least one to two weeks and get clearance from your surgeon. Air cabins are pressurised, which is generally safe, but the main concern is being far away from medical help if a complication arises.
Dusty or polluted environments should also be avoided in the first few weeks, as your eye is more vulnerable to irritation and infection. If travel is unavoidable, carry your eye drops and wear protective sunglasses.
The Importance of Eye Drops
Strictly speaking, using your prescribed eye drops isn’t a restriction — it’s a requirement. These drops, usually a combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, are essential for protecting against infection and reducing swelling.
The dosing schedule might feel strict, especially in the first week, but sticking to it makes a huge difference to how smoothly your recovery goes. Think of your drops as your best ally in the healing process.
When Restrictions Start to Ease
The encouraging news is that most restrictions don’t last long. Within a week, many people are already back to doing most of their usual activities, and by four weeks, almost all restrictions are lifted. The exact timing depends on your healing progress and your surgeon’s advice, but the overall recovery is quicker than many expect.
What matters most is listening to your body, using common sense, and attending your follow-up appointments so your surgeon can check everything is on track.
FAQ: Restrictions After Cataract Surgery
1. How soon can I drive after cataract surgery?
Most patients can safely return to driving within a few days to a week, but this depends on your vision meeting the DVLA’s legal standards and your surgeon’s approval. Even if your sight feels clear, it’s important to wait for confirmation at your post-operative check, as driving too early could risk your safety and the safety of others on the road.
2. Can I lift heavy objects during recovery?
You should avoid lifting heavy objects for at least the first one to two weeks after surgery, as straining can raise pressure inside the eye and affect the healing incision. During this time, keep to lighter tasks only, and gradually reintroduce heavier lifting once your surgeon confirms it is safe at your follow-up visit.
3. Is bending down really dangerous after cataract surgery?
Yes, bending from the waist can temporarily increase pressure inside the eye, which is why surgeons recommend avoiding it in the first week. Instead of leaning forward, bend your knees or squat to pick things up, and take extra care when performing household tasks that normally involve stooping.
4. When can I shower or wash my hair again?
You can usually shower from the day after surgery, but you must avoid water, shampoo, or soap running directly into your operated eye for at least a week. When washing your hair, tilt your head back to reduce the risk of splashes, and avoid swimming pools or hot tubs for several weeks until your surgeon advises otherwise.
5. What if I accidentally rub my eye after surgery?
A light accidental touch is unlikely to cause serious harm, but vigorous rubbing can disturb the healing incision, shift the new lens implant, or introduce bacteria. If you rub your eye and notice pain, blurred vision, or increased redness afterwards, it’s important to contact your clinic promptly for advice.
6. Can I use my phone, computer, or watch TV straight away?
Yes, digital screens and reading are safe, but your eye may feel strained or tire more quickly in the first few days. It helps to take regular breaks, use good lighting, and keep sessions short at first, gradually increasing screen time as your comfort improves.
7. How long should I take off work after surgery?
The time off depends on the type of work you do: desk-based jobs often only require a few days of rest, while physically demanding or dusty jobs may need two to four weeks away. Your surgeon will give personalised advice based on your occupation to balance safe recovery with a timely return.
8. Is it safe to fly after cataract surgery?
Short flights are usually possible within one to two weeks, but you should always check with your surgeon before booking. The concern isn’t cabin pressure, but rather the risk of being far from medical care if complications arise in the early stages of recovery.
9. Do I need to wear an eye shield while sleeping?
Yes, most surgeons recommend wearing a protective eye shield at night for at least the first week. This prevents accidental rubbing or pressure while you sleep, both of which could interfere with the healing process or increase the risk of infection.
10. When will I be free from all restrictions?
For most patients, the strictest restrictions are lifted within the first week, and by around four weeks nearly all activities are safe again. Recovery timelines vary slightly from person to person, so it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s guidance and attend follow-up appointments to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from cataract surgery doesn’t take long, but the first few weeks are important for protecting your eye while it heals. By following the restrictions on activities such as driving, lifting, bending, showering, and using screens, you reduce the risk of complications and give your eye the best chance of settling smoothly.
The restrictions are temporary and, in most cases, begin to ease within days. By four weeks, most people are back to their normal routines, enjoying clearer vision and greater independence. It’s a small trade-off for the long-term benefits that cataract surgery brings.
Remember, every patient heals at a slightly different pace. Always follow your surgeon’s advice and attend your follow-up appointments to make sure your recovery is on track.
At London Cataract Centre we guide our patients through every stage of recovery, from pre-surgery preparation to post-surgery aftercare, ensuring you feel supported and confident throughout the process. If you’re considering private cataract surgery in London, our expert team is here to help you achieve safe, lasting results and a smoother recovery.
References
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- Porela‐Tiihonen, S., Kokki, H., Kaarniranta, K. & Kokki, M., 2016. Recovery after cataract surgery: Studies on postoperative recovery and outcome after cataract surgery. Acta Ophthalmologica, 94(5), pp.1-34. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aos.13055 [Accessed 19 September 2025].
- Sarmiso, S., Tediso, D., Tafese, T. & Gari, T., 2024. Time to recovery following cataract surgery and its predictors among patients undergoing surgery at two selected Public Hospitals in Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia. PLOS ONE, 19(11), e0313118. Available at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0313118 [Accessed 19 September 2025].
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2025. Cataract Surgery Recovery: Exercising, Driving and Other Activities. AAO, [online] 26 February. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/safe-exercise-driving-cataract-surgery-recovery [Accessed 19 September 2025].
- Medical News Today, 2023. Exercising after cataract surgery: When it is safe. Medical News Today, 27 June. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/exercising-after-cataract-surgery [Accessed 19 September 2025].