How fast should vision return after cataract surgery?

I had cateraract surgery on my right eye 3 days ago. Before the surgery I was 20/40, however the day after surgery I was measured at 20/200. My vision has now degraded over the past couple of days to now I can not even make out the top letter on the eye chart.

I called my surgeon to report this yesterday, he had he tech return my call and tell me that this was normal and I just needed to give it some time. Am I being a pain here to call again? Am I expecting too much 3 days after surgery?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear scott5952,

If your eyesight is changing, you should seek the care of your eyeMD.  It does sometimes take time for vision to return.  Some things such as swelling of the front surface, or cornea, a prescription for glasses, astigmatism caused by a suture, and many other things can cause a reduction of vision.  Nonetheless, it is normal to experience concern in this situation and I would continue to ask questions until you feel reassured.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[scott5952]

added info... I am 40 years old and my eye is otherwise healthy besides the cateract. (in fact I was 20/20 in that eye 2 years ago when the cateract was first caught)

at a distance (more than 10 feet or so) my vision in that eye is basically a double image, with one image superimposed right above the other. The "images" at a distance would appear to be 1-2 degrees apart vertically. (am pretty sure of this as I took a peak thru my sextant and was able to correct my distant vision with a 1,5 degree setting)

When I look thru a pin hole focus, my vision also improves radically.

So, I guess I am back to my orginal question, with these symptoms should I insist on being seen or wait the week till my next appointment?

[JodieJ]

I'd call again and insist on being seen ASAP.

[scott5952]

Can any of the MDs comment on this? Is this a normal recovery from surgery or should i be worried?