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Cataracts

Supporting You After Surgery: What to Expect from Sapphire’s Aftercare

Sapphire Eyecare / 18.08.2025

Making the decision to undergo eye surgery is a significant one, as it can dramatically improve your vision, your comfort and ultimately your overall quality of life. While a lot of focus is placed on preparing for your surgery and the procedure itself, your aftercare is just as important.

In this article, we discuss why aftercare after cataract surgery and other surgeries is so important, what you should expect during your patient journey, and why our personalised approach to customer care at Sapphire Eye Care helps you to achieve and maintain optimal eye health

Our team of specialists understand that the effectiveness of your surgery relies partly on what happens after your surgery. That’s why we take great care to ensure our advice is completely personal to you, crafting a bespoke treatment plan that is based on your vision goals and your lifestyle. With expert support and compassionate communication, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.

Whether you’ve had a cataract operation, refractive lens exchange (RLE), oculoplastic surgery, glaucoma treatment, vitreoretinal surgery, or macular degeneration treatment, we’re here to guide you through your recovery, every step of the way.

 

Why Aftercare Matters

Each and every surgery you’ll receive involves a healing process, no matter how routine the procedure is.

The days and weeks following your surgery will be an adjustment period, during which you will need to avoid certain activities. The right guidance and support will make all the difference to your recovery and your long-term results, ensuring the best outcome for your vision.

We know that for many people, this could be your first experience with eye surgery. Therefore, it’s completely natural to feel a little uncertain about what happens after surgery and have many questions. That’s why we prioritise patient education and support throughout your surgical journey, from your initial consultation to the weeks and months after your operation.

 

Your Care After Cataract Surgery

We specialise in treatments for a range of eye conditions, including cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is now one of the most common, and most successful, procedures performed worldwide. During the operation, we replace the natural, cloudy lens of the eye with a new, clear artificial lens. The actual procedure is swift, only taking around 15-20 minutes per eye and is completely painless.

Of course, as with any surgery, cataract surgery recovery is unique to each individual; everyone’s journey will look slightly different. At Sapphire Eye Care, we’ll provide you with a personalised aftercare plan to help you experience the best results possible. This includes:

 

Immediate Post-Operative Care

A clear plastic eye shield will cover the operated eye to protect you from knocking it immediately after surgery. This will stay in place overnight. It can be removed the morning after the procedure, although you can wear it for the first few nights for your peace of mind; whatever works best for you.

You will be given prescription eye drops, which will help to prevent infection and support your healing process. They are anti-inflammatory and antibiotics and come with written instructions on how and when to use them.

Initially, your eyes may feel sore. This is completely normal and absolutely nothing to worry about. You can take standard medication to help with the pain, like paracetamol.

 

Longer-Term Support

Within 48 hours, you will receive a phone call from a member of our team to check in and ensure you’re healing well.

You can resume normal activities as soon as you feel ready! However, as a general guide, we recommend you avoid strenuous exercise for at least the first two weeks. This includes swimming and high-impact sports. You should also avoid wearing makeup and lifting very heavy objects.

With Sapphire, your comfort, safety and peace of mind are always our priorities.

Statue of an eye in relation to Vitreoretinal Surgery Sapphire Eye Care

Your Care After Eyelid Surgery

Our specialist knowledge expands beyond cataract surgery. We can also support you with all of your oculoplastic needs, including droopy eyelids, eyelid lumps or bumps, problems with the tear ducts and in-turning or out-turning eyelids.

We understand that the decision to have eyelid surgery is significant, which is why our approach is always bespoke to you. At Sapphire Eye Care, we ensure you receive the best treatment for you and your condition and are deeply committed to achieving both functional and aesthetically pleasing results.

 

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Immediately after the operation, our care team will clean your face and advise our patients to apply an ice pack for at least 20 minutes to help reduce any bruising. Your consultant will advise on post-operative self-care to carry out at home to truly support the healing process, including the continued use of regular ice packs and the application of antibiotic ointment. We recommend sleeping with your head slightly elevated to minimise any swelling you may experience. Once our team has given you a final check, you’ll be able to go home.

We recommend keeping your head elevated for the first few days to help minimise swelling.

 

Longer-Term Support

All of our patients will attend a post-operative appointment to check in with their healing progress. This will happen one to two weeks after surgery. During the appointment, we will review the health of your eye area and remove any sutures.

Two to three months after your surgery, we will see you again for a final assessment.

Your Care After Glaucoma Surgery

Advancements in modern treatments have meant that glaucoma is no longer the life-altering issue it once was. With an early diagnosis, regular monitoring and the correct treatment, most patients will see their vision stabilised or even improved.

At Sapphire Eye Care, we understand the critical importance of providing cutting-edge treatments that will preserve your vision, all within a compassionate and caring environment. Our holistic approach addresses the long-term health of your eyes alongside any immediate requirements.

 

Immediate Post-Operative Care

After your surgery, you may experience some temporary visual disturbances and mild discomfort. Our care team will provide you with some detailed aftercare instructions to ensure the best outcome possible for you. We will also closely monitor your healing so that the process runs smoothly.

 

Longer-Term Support

Most activities can typically be resumed within a few weeks after your operation. Many of our patients will also return to office-based work around two weeks after their treatment. Of course, everyone’s different, so this could vary. We recommend that glaucoma patients avoid any physically strenuous work for at least a month, especially if their work involves exposure to dust or dirt.

Our Commitment to Personalised, Expert Aftercare

Your eyes are as unique as you are, and so is your recovery.

That’s why, from the moment your procedure is complete, we tailor your post-operative care to suit your individual needs. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced surgeons ensure that your aftercare is supported by world-class clinical standards.

Regardless of the type of procedure you’re undertaking, we approach each and every one of our patients with the same level of care, clarity and compassion. There is truly no worry too small or too big when it comes to your surgery. Our team is here to guide and support you no matter what, whether it’s a quick phone call or an in-person review.

 

You’re in Safe Hands with Sapphire

We understand that any experience with surgery can come with a mix of emotions; often, you’ll feel relief, hope and sometimes a little anxiety. Remember, this is completely normal. At Sapphire Eye Care, we’re here to help you feel more assured with your vision, making sure you feel supported throughout your recovery journey.

Our aftercare for cataract surgery and beyond isn’t just about healing; it’s all about restoring your quality of life, your confidence, and your vision for the future.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re preparing for surgery or want to understand more about recovery and aftercare, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Visit our website or contact a member of our friendly team today to book your consultation.

Eye and iris relating to Retinal detachment at Sapphire Eye Care

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