Sports and Exercise Following Cataract Surgery: When Can You Return?

If you’re preparing for or recovering from cataract surgery, you may be wondering when it’s safe to get back to your regular exercise routine. Whether you enjoy daily walks or competitive sports like pickleball, physical activity is an important part of your life—and your overall health. Fortunately, cataract surgery typically comes with a short recovery time, but it’s still important to follow certain precautions when resuming movement.

Below, we’ll walk through general exercise guidelines after cataract surgery, based on expert recommendations and what you can expect from your personalized recovery plan at Kovach Eye Institute.

Why Exercise Should Be Reintroduced Gradually

Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure, typically performed on one eye at a time. While recovery is usually smooth, the eye still needs time to heal properly. Certain types of physical activity—especially those involving heavy lifting, bending, or any risk of impact—can increase the chance of complications, such as:

• Swelling or bruising
• Infection
• Elevated intraocular pressure
• Retinal tears or detachment
• Lens dislocation

Even if your vision improves soon after surgery, pushing your body too hard too quickly can interfere with the healing process or lead to discomfort. Sticking to light or limited activities in the early stages of recovery can help reduce the risk of post-operative complications.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology x Trusted Source Cataract Surgery Recovery: Exercising, Driving and Other Activities American Academy of Ophthalmology Go to Source (AAO) , most patients can begin light activity the day after surgery, with a gradual return to more strenuous exercise over the following weeks.

What You Can Do — And When

Your individual recovery timeline may vary, but here’s a general breakdown of when most people can return to common forms of exercise.

Day 1: Gentle Walking is Okay

The day after cataract surgery, most people can resume very light activity, including short walks. Avoid anything that raises your heart rate significantly, and be cautious not to bend over or lift anything heavy.

Days 2–6: Light Cardio and Stretching

During this phase, you may feel ready to do more—but it’s still important to keep it light. Gentle stretching, slow-paced walks, or stationary biking are often appropriate. Just steer clear of public gyms, pools, and any movements that involve straining, bending, or sweating excessively.

Days 7–10: Moderate Exercise

At about one week post-op, many people are able to return to activities like jogging, golf, pickleball, tennis, or even sex. Always confirm with your eye surgeon before restarting any moderate or high-impact activities.

After 2 Weeks: Swimming & More Intense Workouts

If healing is progressing well, you may be cleared to return to swimming around the two-week mark. This delay helps minimize the risk of eye infections, which can be more likely in pools, hot tubs, and open water. You may also resume weight training or more intense workouts at this stage—again, only with your surgeon’s approval.

Activities to Postpone Longer

While most exercise can be resumed gradually, there are a few activities that should be avoided until your ophthalmologist gives you the go-ahead:

• Swimming (pools, hot tubs, lakes): Wait at least two weeks to reduce infection risk.
• Contact and racquet sports (basketball, martial arts, pickleball): These carry a high risk of eye trauma and should be postponed for 4–6 weeks or longer.
• Heavy weightlifting and yoga inversions: These movements can increase pressure inside the eye and may delay healing.

Warning Signs You’re Doing Too Much

If you experience any of the following symptoms during your recovery, stop exercising and contact your provider:

• Vision changes
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Swelling or redness
• Light sensitivity

These may indicate that you’ve pushed your body too soon or are developing a complication that needs attention.

Always Follow Your Surgeon’s Guidance

No two recoveries are the same. Your timeline for returning to exercise should be based on how your eye is healing and how you’re feeling overall. During your follow-up visits, your surgeon will evaluate your recovery and offer customized advice for resuming physical activity. When in doubt, always ask.

Back to Your Routine, at the Right Time

It’s normal to feel eager to return to your regular routine after cataract surgery, but a cautious, step-by-step approach is key. By easing into exercise, listening to your body, and following your surgeon’s instructions, you can protect your vision and safely get back to doing the activities you enjoy.

¹ American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract Surgery Recovery: Exercising, Driving and Other Activities. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/safe-exercise-driving-cataract-surgery-recovery. Accessed April 30, 2025.