It is recommended to wear sunglasses during the daytime for several weeks after cataract surgery. The length of time varies depending on factors such as the type of surgery performed and your ophthalmologist’s preferences. Here is a quick overview of sunglass use after cataract surgery:
First 1-2 Days After Surgery
You will need to wear sunglasses or the plastic eye shield provided by your surgeon constantly for the first 24-48 hours after cataract surgery. This protects your eyes from bright light while they are still healing and prevents you from rubbing or touching your eye accidentally.
First 1-2 Weeks After Surgery
You should continue wearing sunglasses during all waking hours for at least the first week after surgery. Some surgeons recommend wearing sunglasses for up to 2 weeks post-op when outdoors during daylight hours.
After the First Few Weeks
After the initial healing period of 1-2 weeks, most patients can discontinue wearing sunglasses indoors or at night. However, when going outside during daylight hours, you should wear sunglasses for:
- 3-4 weeks if you had traditional cataract surgery
- 4-8 weeks if you had advanced technology intraocular lens (IOLs) implanted
Your ophthalmologist will examine your eyes at follow-up appointments after surgery and let you know when it is safe to discontinue sunglass use altogether.
Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses After Cataract Surgery
There are several important reasons for wearing sunglasses after cataract surgery:
- Protect healing eyes – Sunglasses shield your eyes from UV light and glare that can irritate and inflame healing tissues.
- Prevent eye injury – They provide a barrier to protect your eyes if you rub them accidentally.
- Reduce light sensitivity – Your eyes will be sensitive to light after surgery as they adjust. Sunglasses make light more comfortable.
- Improve vision – They can reduce glare that can temporarily reduce visual acuity.
Tips for Wearing Post-Op Sunglasses
- Choose wrap-around sunglasses that block UVA/UVB rays from all angles.
- Look for large lenses to provide ample coverage.
- Find glasses that fit comfortably without pressing on your eyes.
- Talk to your eye doctor about prescription sunglasses if needed.
- Adjust indoor lighting to reduce glare until sunglasses are no longer needed.
When to Call Your Doctor
You should call your ophthalmologist right away if you experience any of the following while wearing sunglasses after cataract surgery:
- Severe light sensitivity or pain in bright light
- Double vision, flashing lights or floating spots in your vision
- Redness, discharge or excessive watering from the operated eye
- Sudden decrease in vision
These could indicate complications that require prompt medical care. Otherwise, make sure to follow your surgeon’s sunglass recommendations and attend all prescribed follow-up visits after your procedure.
Conclusion
Wearing sunglasses is an important part of the recovery process after cataract surgery. Protecting your eyes from UV light helps them heal and prevents injury or irritation. Most patients need to wear sunglasses during the day for around 1-2 months post-op based on their ophthalmologist’s advice. Stay in touch with your eye doctor to know when it’s safe to spend time outdoors without sunglasses again after cataract surgery.