Cataract surgery and recovery time

[Kallison]

Anyone who knows about this -- could you give me some details. My MIL is having both eyes done soon, what is the recovery period? Are there ever any problems? We are leaving for vacation soon and her check-up time may be when we are away, she will be with us, I don't know if she has given this any thought? Will the doctor let her delay her check-up? Also she smokes heavily, will this be a problem after the surgery? Thanks for your input!

 

[marlasmom]

I had no recovery time whatsoever. The day of the surgery I was groggy from the anesthesia, but I went to a play my grandson was in that evening. I smoke heavily (trying to stop). I think the surgeon wanted two followup visits - one at 3 days and 1 at a week if I remember correctly. Definitely discuss the followup with the surgeon beforehand.

 

[Kallison]

Thanks -- did your surgeon say anything about stopping smoking?

 

[mskay]

DH's grandmother (early 80s) had this done just a few weeks ago. Someone stayed with her at home the first night just to be sure she was okay, but she was fine. They've come a long way with the surgery. When my grandmother had it about 15 years ago--maybe 20, she couldn't bend over for like six weeks. It sounds much better now. Neither were smokers, so I don't know anything about that. Hope the surgery goes well.

 

[marlasmom]

Nobody said anything about smoking. My internist on the other hand ......

 

[disneysteve]

My mom, age 74, had one eye done about one month ago. She was a little groggy from anesthesia that evening but was up and around the next day. She went back for a follow-up visit that day and everything was fine. So essentially no recovery time. She did have a restriction on physical activity - lifting, bending, etc. for a couple of weeks I think (though I don't think she followed that beyond the first few days). This is very easy surgery to undergo. She'll be having the other eye done in the fall.