In general, if your job is free of dust, and you’re not expected to carry out any physical activity, then you can return to work one week after cataract surgery. If your job is physical, or based in an environment that is dusty, or dirty, then you’ll need to wait two weeks from your cataract surgery to be able to go back to work.
However, each patient heals differently and has different circumstances, so times for being able to go back to work will differ, but the above general guidelines are advisable in most cases. If you’re not sure, then get in touch with your doctor or optician and discuss your individual circumstances with them, so they can make a recommendation tailored to you.
It’s also advised that you try not to bend down for the first 48 hours after surgery, to avoid putting additional pressure on your eye as you lean forwards.
It’s very rare that you’ll need to be off work for more than two weeks after cataract surgery.
A fit note can be provided for your employer to cover you while off work – you’ll need to request this from your hospital doctor.
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