Using Eye Drops After Cataract Surgery (And Why It’s Important)

Eye drops after cataract surgery are prescribed to aid healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection. Although cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common procedures in the UK, your eyes still need time to recover after the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.

Drops for the eyes after cataract surgery typically include a combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and lubricants. Together, these protect the eye, ensure comfort, and help you regain clear vision quickly.

What Types of Eye Drops Are Prescribed?

Patients usually receive three types of eye drops after cataract surgery:

• Anti-inflammatory drops – often containing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, these drops reduce swelling and protect against raised eye pressure.
• Lubricating drops – to relieve dryness or a gritty sensation, which is common after surgery.

These drops address different aspects of recovery and are carefully chosen by your consultant based on your individual needs.

How to Put in Eye Drops After Cataract Surgery

Eye drops play an important role in recovery for many patients. If you’re new to using them, the process can feel fiddly at first, but with a little practice, it quickly becomes straightforward. Follow this clear step-by-step routine:

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands

Always begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Dry them completely on a clean towel. This simple step reduces the risk of transferring bacteria or dirt to your eyes.

Step 2: Get Comfortable

Sit down in a chair with your head tilted back, or lie down flat if that feels easier. Being relaxed makes it simpler to apply the drops accurately.

Step 3: Prepare Your Eye

With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Try to keep your eyes open but relaxed.

Step 4: Apply the Drops

Hold the bottle in your other hand, keeping the nozzle just above your eye without touching the lashes or eyelid. Squeeze gently so a single drop falls into the pocket you created.

Step 5: Let the Drop Work

Close your eyes gently for 20–30 seconds. Avoid blinking hard or squeezing your eyelids, as this can push the drop out of the eye. Some patients find it helpful to press a clean finger lightly against the corner of the eye near the nose, which reduces drainage into the tear duct and helps the drop absorb fully.

Step 6: For Those Using More Than One Type of Drop

If you have been prescribed more than one kind of medication, wait at least 5 minutes before applying the next medication. This ensures each medication  has time to be absorbed properly and avoids the second medication washing the first away.

Step 7: Repeat if Needed

If a drop misses the eye or you’re unsure it went in, don’t worry. Simply try again, but only use one extra drop at a time.

Your consultant or aftercare team will show you the best technique before you leave the hospital, and you’ll always have support if you need reminders once you’re home.

How Long Do You Need Eye Drops After Cataract Surgery?

The duration of your eye drops depends on your consultant’s advice and your personal healing progress. Most patients use drops for up to 4 weeks after cataract surgery, though some may need them longer.

Antibiotic drops are typically used in high risk cases for the first week or two, while anti-inflammatory drops may be prescribed for several weeks to control swelling. Lubricating drops can be used for comfort as long as needed. It’s important to complete the full course and not to stop early, even if your vision already feels clearer.

What Happens If You Skip Eye Drops?

Not using eye drops after cataract surgery as directed can increase the risk of complications.. Skipping anti-inflammatory drops may prolong swelling, increase eye pressure, or cause discomfort. Without lubricating drops, patients may experience persistent dryness, irritation, or hazy vision. These complications are avoidable with proper drop use, so following the schedule provided by your consultant is essential.

Are There Side Effects to Using Eye Drops?

Mild stinging or blurred vision is common immediately after putting in drops, but this usually passes quickly. In rare cases, steroid drops may raise eye pressure if used for longer periods, which is why regular check-ups are important. If you notice redness, worsening pain, or new visual changes, contact your consultant promptly.

Drop-Free Cataract Surgery at Optegra

At Optegra, we understand that managing drops can be inconvenient, particularly for those who live alone or struggle with application. That’s why we’re proud to offer drop-free cataract surgery in our NHS hospitals and clinics.

Instead of weeks of eye drops, a tiny dose of steroid medication is placed inside the eye during surgery. This makes recovery simpler, hassle-free, and just as safe and effective as traditional aftercare.

Expert Care at Every Step

At Optegra, we perform more than 40,000 cataract procedures every year, with a 99.6% success rate. Whether you’re prescribed eye drops after cataract surgery or are eligible for our drop-free pathway, our team will guide you through every stage of recovery.

If you’d like to learn more, explore our information on cataract surgery or book a free consultation with one of our experienced consultants today.