How Long After Cataract Surgery Can You Exercise? A Guide to Safe Recovery

Medically reviewed on 13-August-2025

Recovering from cataract surgery is usually straightforward, but your body, and especially your eyes, still need time to heal. That means knowing when and how to return to physical activity is essential. Many patients want to know about exercise after cataract surgery and which activities are safe following a cataract operation. In this guide, Optegra’s consultant surgeons share expert advice to help you stay active while protecting your recovery.

When Can You Start Exercising After Cataract Surgery? 

In the first few days recovering from cataract surgery, your eyes need time to settle. We recommend avoiding strenuous activity for at least one week following cataract surgery. This helps to minimise the risk of increased eye pressure or injury while your eye heals. 

• Light walking can resume 24–48 hours after surgery. 
• Gentle, low-impact movement such as slow stretching or seated yoga may be introduced a few days after surgery. 
• For more vigorous activity, including running or gym workouts, you should wait between 2-3 weeks, or until your surgeon advises it’s safe. 

Always follow personalised guidance from your Optegra consultant as advised in your follow-up care, as healing times can vary depending on your age, health and the complexity of your surgery. 

Why is Exercise Restricted After Cataract Surgery? 

Although cataract surgery is a quick and effective procedure, your eye is still healing in the weeks that follow. Certain types of exercise can: 

• Increase intraocular pressure. 
• Introduce bacteria or sweat into the eye. 
• Risk knocks or trauma that could dislodge the lens implant or otherwise slow the eye’s healing. 

Dr Allen Omid Eghrari, ophthalmologist with the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, has highlighted the dangers of increased eye pressure after cataract surgery. Increased eye pressure can interfere with the incision made during surgery before it has a chance to fully heal, and is one of the most common causes of post-operative complications. Since increased eye pressure can also lead to glaucoma , which can cause blindness if left untreated, it is extremely important to regulate eye pressure in the days and weeks following cataract surgery. Strenuous activity raises eye pressure, which is why patients should limit exercise after cataract surgery. Taking a short break from your usual routine protects your long-term vision and reduces the likelihood of complications down the line.

Best Exercises After Cataract Surgery (Week by Week) 

Whilst staying active is important for your overall health, the key is to adapt your movement during your recovery. We’ve put together a general progression, but you should always check individual timings with your surgeon. 

Week 1: 

• Short, gentle walks indoors or outdoors. 
• Slow stretching – avoid bending too far forward. 
• Seated yoga or simple breathing exercises. 

Week 2: 

• Longer walks or light indoor cycling. 
• Gentle stair climbing. 
• Continue stretching and low-intensity activity. 

Week 3+: 

• Light resistance work – no heavy lifting. 
• Swimming, depending on approval from your surgeon, once the eye is fully healed. 
• Return to your regular routine if your consultant agrees. 

Avoid dusty or windy environments during outdoor exercise, and always wear protective eyewear as needed. 

Can You Run After Cataract Surgery? 

Running puts more pressure on your body, especially the head and eyes. For most patients, it’s best to wait 3-4 weeks before resuming running – and only with your surgeon’s sign-off. Begin with light jogging and monitor for any discomfort or vision changes. 

What to Avoid While Exercising Post-Surgery 

During the first few weeks following cataract surgery, steer clear of activities that could put unnecessary strain on your healing eye or expose it to injury, infection, or irritation.  

• Weightlifting or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) 
• Swimming, saunas and hot tubs (due to the risk of infection). 
• Contact sports like football, tennis, or boxing. 
• Yoga poses that involve inversion (such as downward dog). 

By steering clear of these higher-risk activities early on and focusing instead on low-impact movement like walking exercise after cataract surgery, you give your eyes the best chance to heal fully before resuming your usual fitness routine.

Listen to Your Body, and Your Consultant 

If you experience any eye pain, blurry vision, floaters, or redness while exercising after surgery, stop immediately and speak to your Optegra consultant. These may be signs of irritation or increased pressure in the eye. Every patient’s recovery is different, and your consultant will give you the best guidance on when it’s safe for you to return to normal activity. 

Your Next Step: Book a Free Cataract Consultation 

Cataract surgery improves both visual acuity and quality of life, and with the right aftercare, including the safe return to exercise, recovery is usually straightforward. At Optegra, our experienced consultants are here to guide you every step of the way, from your first virtual consultation to aftercare support. 

Learn more about our advanced cataract surgery, and when you’re ready, get in touch to book a free, no-obligation consultation.