When can I exercise after cataract surgery?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says very light exercise, including walking, is generally permitted the day after surgery. AAO's separate exercise guidance says light aerobics such as walking may be allowed soon after cataract surgery, and recommends wraparound sunglasses outdoors because the eye is especially sensitive to light and the wrap also keeps dust and irritants out.

For harder workouts, AAO gives a specific window: activities like biking, running, tennis, golf, and sex are typically resumed about 7 to 10 days after surgery. Strenuous exercise is held back early because large spikes in heart rate can raise eye pressure, which can disturb healing.

Two things stay restricted longer. Positions that put your head below your waist, which includes a lot of yoga, should be avoided during early recovery, and AAO's 48 hour no bending rule applies from the start. Swimming is a separate question with a longer wait, generally two to four weeks depending on which guidance you follow.

If exercise makes the eye ache, water, or blur more than it did at rest, stop and call the office. Your operating surgeon may set a longer or shorter timeline based on how your surgery went, and their instructions come first.