The Young and the Restless Recap July 22: Nikki's Doctor Removes Her Eye Bandages

Here's your recap for The Young and the Restless episode that aired on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, as Nikki got news about her vision, Phyllis encouraged Matt Clark, and Traci confronted her worst fears.

A Brush With Hope

Nikki is surrounded by her family as she learns whether or not she can see | Image: CBS

Nikki reached for her hairbrush and theorized that today she could see herself again. Meanwhile, Victor tracked Matt Clark's whereabouts via his ankle monitor. Nick told his dad that he wouldn't like who he stayed with there.

Nick showed incredible positive enthusiasm for Nikki when she came into the room with Victoria. He hugged her. Nikki asked if Victor was there and if he would be joining them when she went to the doctor's office to get her bandages removed. Victor said he'd like to go. Nikki said it was up to him. Nick and Vicki said they'd all go together, and Victor wanted to. Nick quipped that they should take Nikki's Ferrari, the one Victor had bought her for her birthday a year ago.

Strange Bedfellows

Matt and Phyllis face the morning after | Image: JPI

Phyllis woke up in bed. She walked over to her sofa to see Matt Clark sleeping there; he wished her a good morning. Nick said that it was bad enough watching them make out at the GCAC, but then he had to watch them go upstairs. Nick recounted knocking on her door, but added that they did not respond. Nick was agitated that Phyllis was involving Matt in her life.

Phyllis called Matt a gentleman. He said he didn't want to take advantage of Phyllis. She told him that he had issues. Phyllis theorized that she might have them, too. She speculated that they both have issues, which is why they connect. Then, she told him to stop thinking that he was a monster. "Stop your apology tour...I don't see a monster...I see a really great guy," Phyllis said. She added she felt safe with Matt, and she slept better than she had in a while. Phyllis told Matt to stay here. "It's called the here and now," she said. "It's a lot more fun."

Phyllis wondered when her date with Matt was going to be. Matt said that if they went on a date, then Nick would show up. Phyllis didn't care. Matt said that Nick might be jealous of any man interested in his ex.

Phyllis said that Nick's just protective. Matt said that there are unresolved feelings between Phyllis and Nick, pointing out that she practically willed him back to life when he almost died. Phyllis told Matt that he could go. Matt asked Phyllis to buy him breakfast. She said sure, but that he should be prepared to continue their conversation.

My Least Favorite Martin

Martin met with Traci by computer video chat | Image: CBS

At the Abbott dining room table, Kyle, Jack, and Diane lent moral support to Traci as she prepared to do a video chat with Martin. She advised her family to remain quiet so as not to scare Martin off.

Traci began the video connection with Martin. He appeared on Traci's computer, telling her he couldn't tell her how wonderful it was to see her. Martin brought up the romantic times he spent with Traci in Paris, telling her he thought of her all the time. Traci got the conversation back on track. She said she reached out to him because she needed his help. Traci asked him if he knew Dr. Laurence Markham. "How could I forget?" Martin responded.

Martin said that Alan and Laurence knew each other. He wanted to know why Traci was curious about him. Traci shared that Laurence kept Diane prisoner, but that he had fled. Martin quipped that her family should avoid psychiatrists from now on. Traci pointed out that Martin wasn't a shrink. He apologized. She asked him to talk to her. Traci said that if Martin were sincere, then this was how he could pay her back. Martin said that he had read all of Larry's work, calling him empty-headed and vain. He said Markham's work was pure drivel, the circular ramblings of a lunatic on lunacy.

Martin added that Alan and Laurence would see each other at conferences, and they'd exchange emails. He added that they'd stay at the same summer house together. Martin said that he'd tell Traci that he shared the place with her in exchange for a small favor. Traci said that she's the one who gets to ask the favor, but Martin refused. He insisted on an in-person meeting. She said they could talk on video, and she had his letters. Martin said that his doctor was probably recording this conversation, which he didn't want. "I refuse to be treated like some lab rat," Martin stated.

He said he wanted to look into the eyes of the woman he loved so that he could beg for forgiveness. Traci said that if she were to see him, then Martin would give her the info she wanted. He said yes. Traci agreed to the meeting. As Martin thanked Traci, she closed her laptop lid.

Family Matters

Traci received support from Diane and Jack | Image: CBS

"That was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be," Traci added. Diane told Traci that her reaction didn't mean she wasn't strong. Traci lamented that she may have too many soft spots. Jack said that he didn't like the idea of Traci meeting face-to-face with Martin. If he could affect her like this over a computer screen, what might he do in person, Jack wondered.

Traci claimed that she'd be perfectly safe when she saw Martin. She declared he'd never have power over her again. Diane said that it shouldn't be too hard to find out where the rented home was. Kyle disagreed. Jack theorized that Markham was evil and twisted before he met Patty. Diane still didn't want Traci subjected to a meeting with Martin. Jack said that it was Traci's choice. Traci insisted on going to show that she wasn't afraid of Martin, even though she didn't want to ever see him.

High Society

Phyllis told Matt that Abby didn't matter at Society | Image: CBS

Phyllis and Matt arrived at Society. Matt was apprehensive as Victor's daughter, Abby, owned it. Phyllis said that Abby was harmless. Matt wondered what he would do if he stayed in Genoa City. He noted that Phyllis was a woman who was used to getting her way. Matt asked what kind of life he could lead in Genoa City.

Phyllis said there were many things in Genoa City, parks and nightlife. Matt said he grew up there and asked how many friends Phyllis had. She said that she was just giving him some ideas. Matt said he'd need money, a job, and a place to live. She took out a digital pad and began asking questions. She asked what he was good at. "Terrorizing people," he deadpanned.

Phyllis asked if he had references. She wanted to identify the problem. He said he was the problem. Matt asked why Phyllis was doing this. She said that she's been where he is and that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Phyllis said that she made it out, and she was thriving. "You can, too," she promised. Matt said Phyllis had a way of... "Getting what I want," Phyllis answered. He said that Phyllis made things seem possible. "They are possible," she said.

Phyllis added that Victor gave her a company, but she would not be its punchline. She wanted to turn it into something great. Phyllis said that she and her partner, Lauren, were going to need help.

Arabesque Bound

Matt listened to Phyllis's idea that he come to work for her | Image: CBS

Phyllis wondered why she hadn't thought of having Matt come to work with her at Arabesque before. Matt quipped that Arabesque sounded like it made ballet slippers. Matt said he only knew how to run clubs and deal drugs. She called him a "people person." Matt said there'd be people who'd disagree with that assertion. Phyllis promised they'd be unstoppable.

Matt suggested that Phyllis was totally falling for him. Phyllis responded by saying that Matt had an ego. She only wanted to help him. He quipped that she wanted him to work with her because of his excellent kissing. Matt said that Phyllis hadn't vetted him. She said she was hiring him because she believed in him, and she wondered why he wasn't thanking her.

Matt wondered if Phyllis felt sorry for him. She maintained it was a win/win for both of them. Matt suggested that Phyllis and Victor both wanted him to be their fixer.

Dark Victory

Nikki's doctor prepared her for her bandages to come off | Image: CBS

Nikki's doctor, Dr. Nowling, met with her, asking if she was alone. She said her family was out in the waiting room. The doctor informed Nikki that even if she saw nothing when the bandages came off, that doesn't mean she won't be able to eventually see again.

Nikki stopped the doctor and said she wanted someone with her. He told her that she could have one person in the room and asked who that person would be. Later, the doctor showed Victor into the room. Then, the doctor began taking off Nikki's bandages. (The Y&R theme music began to play.)

Find Out What's True

Victor was saddened by Nikki's news | Image: CBS

"Okay, Nikki, it's time. Open your eyes," the doctor said. Then, Nikki opened her eyes. Victor asked Nikki what she saw. "It's all black," cried out. "There's nothing."

Next, Victor, Nikki, Vicki, Nicholas, and Claire arrived back at the ranch. Vicki recounted how the doctor said Nikki's vision could still return. Nikki said that the doctor added it might not, too. Nikki said she'd hold on to the possibility that someday soon she'd see everyone's beautiful faces again.

Claire offered to get pastries and coffee. Nick was on board with that idea. Nikki didn't want anything. Nikki said that she was worn out and she wanted to lie down. She said she was fine and she loved everyone for supporting her. Nikki added that she'd have to wait to see what the next few weeks would bring.

Nikki left by herself, counting the steps out loud to her room. Victor followed her. Alone in her room, Nikki reached out to the mirror and slid her palm down it. She picked up her brush and threw it at the mirror in frustration. The mirror broke. Nikki faced the mirror but was unable to see anything.

Will Phyllis convince Matt to remain in Genoa City? Is Traci strong enough to confront Martin? Might Nikki someday regain her vision? Sound off in the comments below!