How long does it take to heal after cataract surgery?

Recovery time following cataract surgery largely depends on the patient, according to VisionAware. Some patients fully recover the day following the surgery, while others take a couple of days to recover. Some patients take upwards of a month to recover from the surgery.

It is normal for patients to feel itching and mild discomfort for a couple of days following surgery, says Mayo Clinic. Some physicians may ask patients to wear an eye patch or a protective shield the day of surgery. In certain cases, patients use the eye patch for a few days after surgery and the protective shield while sleeping to aid in the recovery.