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    • Home
    • About the Practice
      • About Us
      • Practice Updates
      • Insurance
    • Cataract Surgery
      • The Eye and Cataracts
      • How They Affect Vision
      • Risks and Side Effects
      • The Process
      • Cataract Surgery History
      • Financial Considerations
      • Surgery Packages
      • The Procedure
      • Choosing a Lens Implant
      • The Surgery Center
      • Pre-Operative Preparation
      • Prepping for Surgery
      • Day of Surgery
      • Post-Operative Directions
      • The Day After
    • Types of Care
      • Types of Care
      • Glaucoma Management
      • Diabetic Management
      • Oculoplasty
      • Cataract Monitoring
      • Retina Management
      • Refractive Services
    • Practice Policies
      • Privacy Policies
      • No Show and Cancellations
    • Feedback
    • Products
    • Request An Appointment
    • Make Payment
  • Home
  • About the Practice
    • About Us
    • Practice Updates
    • Insurance
  • Cataract Surgery
    • The Eye and Cataracts
    • How They Affect Vision
    • Risks and Side Effects
    • The Process
    • Cataract Surgery History
    • Financial Considerations
    • Surgery Packages
    • The Procedure
    • Choosing a Lens Implant
    • The Surgery Center
    • Pre-Operative Preparation
    • Prepping for Surgery
    • Day of Surgery
    • Post-Operative Directions
    • The Day After
  • Types of Care
    • Types of Care
    • Glaucoma Management
    • Diabetic Management
    • Oculoplasty
    • Cataract Monitoring
    • Retina Management
    • Refractive Services
  • Practice Policies
    • Privacy Policies
    • No Show and Cancellations
  • Feedback
  • Products
  • Request An Appointment
  • Make Payment

Post-Operative Instructions

Immediately After Surgery

 

  1. Do not place pressure directly on the eye.  If the eye is watering, blot gently over the eyelid to absorb fluid.  
     
  2. Do not lift more than 10 lbs for the first week.  
     
  3. Do not bend down for extended periods of time for the first week. Keep your head above your heart.  
     
  4. Wear your eyeglasses or sunglasses for physical protection of the eye. If you cannot see out of the lens it is okay to remove the lens itself.   
     
  5. Take your medication as instructed.  If the drop gets in but runs down your cheek do not put another drop in (this will waste medication).  If the drops burn or sting it is okay to put in a drop of artificial tears a few minutes before your medication.
     
  6. Do not get water directly in the eye for the first week. No swimming in hot tubs, pools, or lakes for 4 weeks.   
     
  7. Wear the plastic shield over the operative eye for 3 nights (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and whenever you take a nap.   
     
  8. Vision should steadily improve over the next 6 – 8 weeks (about 2 months). We will check your new prescription 3 weeks after your final surgery.  
     
  9. See list below for common symptoms that are normal and abnormal after surgery.

Normal And Abnormal Symptoms Following Cataract Surgery

NORMAL SYMPTOMS

ABNORMAL SYMPTOMS

  • Blurred Vision intermittently   
  • Watering   
  • Mild irritation; sandy or gritty-feeling   
  • Mild double vision due to anesthesia   
  • Mild lid drooping due to anesthesia   
  • Mild light sensitivity   
  • Tenderness of eyelid from speculum used during surgery
  • Intermittent mucus production   
  • Dilated pupil following surgery including the morning after surgery


These symptoms are considered normal and will taper off as your eye heals. Make sure to take your post-operative drops as instructed. 

  • Vision that suddenly gets worse
  • Vision loss   
  • Bleeding that does not stop   
  • Worsening pain   
  • Continued double vision   
  • Flashes of light that are consistent   
  • Many new floaters   
  • Veil or shade that blocks vision     
  • Dilated pupil that does not react to light
  •  Headache on operative side accompanied by nausea and rainbows around lights   


If you experience any of these symptoms please call the office at 425-778-2500 . If you are experiencing an after-hours emergency please call the office to be directed to Dr. Sumnicht. 

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Closed for Education

Our office is closed Friday March 6th for the entire staff to attend the Annual WAEPS Meeting. We will return to the office for normal business hours on Monday March 9th, 2026.