Watery eye after cataract surgery – why it happens and what to do

Increased tearing is one of the common effects in the first days after cataract surgery. The eye has had surgery, even if a small one, and it reacts with irritation and tearing. In most cases this is a temporary effect that improves on its own. On this page we will explain why the eye waters, how long it usually lasts, what you can do at home, and when to see a doctor.

Why does the eye water after cataract surgery?

In the first stage after the surgery, the patient may experience blurred vision, mild irritation and increased tearing. There are several possible reasons for this, and sometimes they combine:

• The eye's reaction to the surgery: the small incision in the cornea and the surface of the eye recover in the first days, and the feeling of irritation causes tearing.
• The drops: the eye drops given after the surgery are essential for preventing infection and reducing inflammation, but in some patients they cause mild burning and tearing right after they are put in.
• Dry eye: it sounds backwards, but a dry eye can water more. When the surface of the eye is dry and irritated, the eye reacts by producing tears. Temporary dryness of the eye is known in the days and weeks after the surgery.
• Sensitivity to light and wind: after the surgery the eye may be sensitive to bright light, wind, dust and smoke, and all of these can increase tearing.

How long does it last?

In most patients the tearing and irritation last from days to a few weeks, and gradually decrease as the eye heals. In most cases, full recovery usually takes four to eight weeks, and the pace of recovery differs from person to person. So there is no point comparing yourself to others. What matters is that the situation improves over time and does not get worse.

If the tearing lasts a long time, or comes back after it has already decreased, it is a good idea to tell the doctor about it at the next check-up. Sometimes the cause is dry eye that existed even before the surgery and got worse, or a problem in the eyelids or in tear drainage. The ophthalmologist will examine you and adjust the treatment.

What you can do at home

• Keep using the drops exactly as instructed. Do not stop the drops on your own, even if it seems that they cause tearing.
• Wipe gently: wash your hands and wipe the tears around the eye with a clean tissue, without rubbing and without pressing on the eye.
• Protect the eye outdoors: wear sunglasses to protect the eye from wind, dust and strong light. See also Sunglasses after cataract surgery.
• Avoid smoke and dust in the first period after the surgery.
• About artificial tears or lubricating drops: sometimes the doctor recommends them, but it is a good idea to consult him before adding any drops, and to ask how long to wait between the different types of drops.
• Wear an eye shield while sleeping as instructed, so you do not rub the eye without noticing.

A full list of instructions for the recovery period is on the page What not to do after cataract surgery.

When is tearing a sign of a problem?

Tearing on its own is usually part of the recovery. However, there are signs that require contacting your treating doctor immediately:

• Pain that gets worse instead of better.
• Redness or swelling that increases or does not go down.
• Sticky or colored discharge from the eye.
• Reduced vision, especially after the vision has already improved.
• Severe sensitivity to light.

Such signs may indicate inflammation or infection in the eye. Infection after cataract surgery is a rare complication, but it requires quick treatment, so do not wait for the next check-up. More information about possible complications is on the page Cataract surgery complications.

Tearing, blurring and returning to routine

Increased tearing can blur your vision for a moment, and this does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the new lens. However, blurring that continues even when the eye is not watering is something worth checking. More information on the page Blurred vision after cataract surgery.

As for screen work, driving and outdoor activity, it is recommended to return gradually and according to the doctor's instructions. See also Cataract surgery recovery.