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Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest eye surgeries performed across the world—and especially here at IGEHRC, where we take every step to make your journey smooth and stress-free. But once your surgery is done, your healing doesn’t end in the operation room. What you eat plays a big role in how well and how quickly your eyes recover.
Many patients and their family members ask us, “Doctor, what to eat after cataract operation?” And it’s a very important question!
In this blog, we’ll help you understand the best foods to eat after your cataract surgery, why they help, and what to avoid for better recovery.
Why Diet Matters After Cataract Surgery
After cataract surgery, your eyes go through a healing process. Your body needs certain nutrients to repair tissues, reduce inflammation, and fight off infections. A good diet can:
- Speed up healing
- Reduce the risk of complications
- Support overall eye health
- Boost your immunity
So, if you’re wondering what to eat after cataract operation, think of food as your medicine. It’s simple, natural, and powerful.
What to Eat After Cataract Operation: The Must-Have Nutrients
Let’s take a look at the nutrients your eyes need most and where you can find them:
1. Vitamin A – The Eye’s Best Friend
Vitamin A helps protect the surface of the eye and speeds up wound healing.
Best sources:
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Mangoes
- Pumpkin
Try a warm bowl of carrot and pumpkin soup—it’s not only easy to digest but great for your eyes.
2. Vitamin C – Boost Healing & Immunity
Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation and improves your immune response.
Best sources:
- Oranges
- Guavas
- Papayas
- Amla (Indian gooseberry)
- Bell peppers
Start your day with a fresh fruit bowl or a glass of amla juice.
3. Vitamin E – Fights Off Oxidative Stress
Vitamin E protects your eyes from harmful free radicals and helps the healing tissues.
Best sources:
- Almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Spinach
- Avocados
You can add a handful of almonds to your daily diet or drizzle some olive oil on your salads.
4. Zinc – Helps with Vitamin A Absorption
Zinc is necessary to carry Vitamin A from the liver to the retina.
Best sources:
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Whole grains
- Cashews
- Dairy products
A simple moong dal khichdi with curd is perfect during the recovery phase.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – For Better Vision
Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and support cell repair.
Best sources:
- Flaxseeds
- Walnuts
- Fish like salmon and sardines (if non-vegetarian)
- Chia seeds
Sprinkle some ground flaxseeds over your breakfast or have walnut chutney with meals.
Sample Meal Plan: What to Eat After Cataract Operation (Day-Wise)
Day 1-3 (Right after surgery):
Eat soft, easy-to-digest meals. Focus on hydration and light food.
- Breakfast: Oats porridge + almonds
- Lunch: Moong dal + soft rice + boiled vegetables
- Evening: Coconut water + banana
- Dinner: Vegetable soup + soft khichdi
Day 4-7:
Start including more fruits, nuts, and leafy vegetables.
- Breakfast: Upma with vegetables + amla juice
- Lunch: Roti + palak dal + carrot-beet salad
- Snack: Papaya or orange
- Dinner: Pumpkin soup + rice + curd
Week 2 onwards:
You can go back to your regular diet, just continue focusing on eye-friendly foods.
Foods to Avoid After Cataract Surgery
Knowing what not to eat is just as important as knowing what to eat after cataract operation.
Spicy & Oily Foods
Avoid deep-fried snacks and overly spicy curries. They can irritate your system and slow down recovery.
Junk Food
Say no to burgers, chips, and sugary sodas. These have zero nutrition and can weaken your immune system.
Excess Salt & Sugar
Too much salt can lead to water retention and increased pressure in your eyes. High sugar intake can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, especially for diabetic patients.
Smoking & Alcohol
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during your recovery phase. They can delay healing and increase infection risk.
Hydration Matters!
Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids. Water helps flush out toxins and keeps your tissues hydrated. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily.
You can also have:
- Coconut water
- Fresh fruit juices (without added sugar)
- Herbal teas (like chamomile or tulsi)
