Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide, restoring vision for millions of people each year. While it effectively removes the cloudy lens inside the eye, the recovery period does require some adjustments as the eye heals. One question many patients have is when can they begin wearing makeup again after cataract surgery, especially popular cosmetics like mascara. The timing of reintroducing makeup depends on how well your eye is recovering post-operatively. Ophthalmologists aim to minimize any potential infection risks or irritation that could disrupt the healing process. However, they also want patients to feel confident and get back to their regular routines as soon as it is medically appropriate.
A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye that affects vision. Cataract surgery is a highly common procedure performed to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens. During cataract surgery, the opacified natural lens is removed using phacoemulsification, a technique involving ultrasound energy to gently break up and remove the lens. The artificial lens is then inserted into the eye.
It is generally safe to wear light makeup soon after cataract surgery once the eye has healed sufficiently.