following modern procedures is safe and effective, but not entirely free of risk. Most complications of cataract surgery do not result in long-term visual impairment, but there are some severe complications that can result in irreversible blindness. A survey of adverse results affecting Medicare patients recorded between 2004 and 2006 showed an average rate of 0.5% for one or more severe post-operative complications, with the rate decreasing over the study period by about 20%. The most important risk factors identified were diabetic retinopathy, and a combination of cataract surgery with another intraocular procedure on the same day. 97% of the surgeries in the study were not combined with other intraocular procedures. 3% were combined with retinal, corneal or glaucoma surgery on the same day. Recovery and rehabilitation Side effects such as grittiness, watering, blurred vision, double vision or a red or bloodshot eye may occur, and will usually clear over a few days. Full recovery can take four to six weeks. It is generally recommended to avoid getting water in the eye during the first week after surgery and to avoid swimming for two to three weeks as a conservative approach, to minimise risk of bacterial infection. Most patients can return to normal activities the day following phacoemulsification surgery. Depending on the procedure, driving should be avoided for at least 24 hours after the surgery, largely due to effects from the anesthesia, possible swelling affecting focus, and pupil dilation causing excessive glare. At the first post-operative check, the surgeon will usually be able to confirm whether vision is suitable for driving. With small-incision self-sealing wounds used with phacoemulsification, some of the post-operative restrictions common with intracapsular and extracapsular procedures are not relevant. Restrictions against lifting and bending were intended to reduce the risk of the wound opening, because straining increases intraocular pressure, but with a self-sealing tunnel incision, higher pressure closes the wound more tightly. Routine use of a shield is also usually not required because inadvertent finger pressure on the eye should not open a correctly structured incision, which should only open to point pressure. The eyes should not be rubbed after surgery, as this can cause contamination, as can the use of eye makeup, face cream or lotions. Situations where there is a lot of dust, wind, pollen or dirt should also be avoided. Sunglasses should be worn on bright days as the eyes will be more sensitive