Cataract surgery is a common and successful procedure that restores clear vision for millions of people annually. While the operation itself is quick, the outcome relies significantly on the diligent use of prescribed post-operative eye drops. These drops are a mandatory part of the healing process, designed to prevent complications and ensure the eye recovers smoothly. Adherence to the drop regimen is the most important action a patient takes to safeguard the surgery’s success.
The Essential Drops for Recovery
Most patients receive drops from two main categories: anti-infective and anti-inflammatory medications. Anti-infective (antibiotic) drops prevent endophthalmitis, a rare but serious infection inside the eye. They work by reducing the bacterial load on the eye’s surface, preventing bacteria from entering the tiny surgical incision. Antibiotic drops are typically used for one to two weeks immediately following surgery while the eye is vulnerable.
The second category comprises anti-inflammatory drops, which manage the body’s natural response to surgery, including swelling and irritation. This class is divided into two types: corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Corticosteroid drops, such as prednisolone, reduce overall inflammation and light sensitivity, and are generally tapered down in frequency over three to six weeks.
NSAID drops, like ketorolac, reduce pain and swelling through a different biochemical pathway than steroids. They are valuable because they help prevent cystoid macular edema, which is swelling in the central retina that can blur vision. Often, both a steroid and an NSAID are prescribed together, providing a dual approach to inflammation control. Lubricating drops, or artificial tears, may also be recommended to ease the common, temporary sensation of dryness or grittiness after surgery.
Mastering the Drop Schedule and Technique
Proper application technique is important to guarantee maximum absorption and prevent contamination. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the dropper bottle or your eye. To apply the drop, gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket and tilt your head back, looking toward the ceiling. Hold the dropper bottle just above the eye, ensuring the tip does not touch the eye, eyelid, or lashes, as this can introduce bacteria.
After one drop is successfully placed, the eye should be gently closed for a moment to allow the medication to absorb. If you suspect the drop missed your eye, instill a second drop rather than risking under-dosing. When multiple types of drops are prescribed, wait a specific amount of time between each kind to prevent the second drop from washing out the first.
A waiting period of three to five minutes between different medications is recommended to ensure each drop works effectively. The prescribed schedule is strict and often involves a tapering process, where the frequency is slowly reduced over several weeks as the eye heals.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While mild symptoms are expected after surgery, knowing the difference between normal recovery and a complication is important. It is common to experience slight redness, a gritty sensation, watering, or mild discomfort for a few days. These symptoms should gradually improve and can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
However, certain signs should prompt an immediate call to your eye doctor, as they may indicate a serious problem like infection or increased eye pressure. These red flags include severe, sharp, or worsening pain not relieved by simple medication. A sudden, significant decrease in vision, or vision that worsens after initial improvement, also requires urgent attention.
Other concerning symptoms include:
- Increasing redness that spreads or intensifies
- A thick or yellow discharge
- Extreme sensitivity to light
The appearance of new flashes of light, a curtain or shadow in your peripheral vision, or a sudden burst of new floaters may signal a retinal issue. Immediate communication with your surgical team about any of these symptoms can prevent vision-threatening complications.