What can i do after cataract surgery

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Taking Care of Your Eyes After Cataract Surgery

Taking Care of Your Eyes After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is an extremely common surgery, and it typically takes just 10 minutes to perform. Though the surgery is simple compared to other medical procedures, it is still just as important to take care of yourself post-surgery and allow your eyes time to heal properly. As you do your research and prepare for cataract surgery, be sure to talk to your ophthalmologist about what recovery after surgery looks like. Until you’re able to meet with your doctor, take a look at what the professionals at Broberg Eye Care have to say about taking care of your eyes after cataract surgery.

As we mentioned before, cataract surgery typically takes 10 minutes from start to finish. After the procedure, you will most likely wait in a recovery room until the anesthesia begins to wear off. While you may feel well enough to drive yourself home, we strongly encourage all patients to have a family member or friend drive them home after cataract surgery. Aside from side effects of anesthesia, many individuals experience clouded vision immediately following cataract surgery, which is why having someone else drive you home is for your own safety.

When you arrive home after cataract surgery, it’s time to take it easy. Rest as much as you can. We even encourage patients to take a nap when they get home, if possible. If you notice bruising around your eye from the anesthesia, or popped blood vessels from the pressure your eyes experienced, do not worry. Both of these side effects should fade within a few days.

After you’ve rested for at least a few hours at home, it is OK to watch TV in moderation, shower or bathe, and work on the computer. For at least one week, you should avoid swimming pools and hot tubs. For the next few weeks, you should avoid activities that may lead to getting dirt or dust in your eyes, such as gardening or dusting. Lastly, we advise patients to refrain from cooking for at least one week after cataract surgery. Read more about cooking after cataract surgery.

If your doctor prescribed antibiotic eye drops, take them for as long as prescribed, even if your eyes feel completely normal. The eye drops aid the healing process and help prevent infection. You will have several visits with your ophthalmologist in the days and weeks after cataract surgery. He or she will evaluate your eyes to make sure everything is healing as expected. You will also be fitted with new glasses, should you need them.

Follow these guidelines for taking care of your eyes after cataract surgery, and you will be able to resume your normal routine in no time. If you have any specific questions about recovering from cataract surgery, the doctors at Broberg Eye Care would be happy to answer them. Contact us today!

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What can i do after cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that is often performed in a day surgery, with the patient returning home within several hours of the operation. This article is designed to help you understand what to expect in the hours, days and weeks post-cataract surgery.

Immediately after cataract surgery

Before you leave the day surgery, you will be prescribed eye drops or other medication to prevent infection, reduce inflammation and control eye pressure. You will need to have a family member or friend with you to take you home. Once you get home, it is recommended that you rest your eyes and nap. Several hours post-surgery, most people are able to watch some television or look at a computer screen for a short period of time. Because cataract surgery is only performed on one eye at a time, you may notice an imbalance in your vision until the second eye is operated on (usually 1–4 weeks later).

Days after cataract surgery

It is normal for vision to be blurry in the beginning – your eye needs to heal and adjust. Vision will normally begin to improve within a few days of the surgery. It’s also normal for your eye to feel itchy and to experience mild discomfort for a couple of days – your doctor will ask you to wear an eye patch or protective shield at night to ensure you don’t rub your eye while you sleep. This discomfort should disappear after a few days.

Weeks after cataract surgery

While everyone is different, the average experience for the weeks following cataract surgery involves a gradual recovery of the eye. Adjustments in vision will occur for a few months after surgery.

Tips for post-cataract surgery

Although most people can resume everyday activities 24 hours after cataract surgery, there are a few instructions that you will be asked to follow. They include:

  • Don’t do any strenuous activities for a few weeks. Avoid rigorous exercise and heavy lifting.
  • Don’t drive. The length of time after cataract surgery before you can drive depends on a number of factors – your doctor will tell you when it is safe to resume driving.
  • Follow your doctor’s orders regarding any antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. These are important to prevent infection and inflammation and ensure proper healing. If you have difficulty in administering them, get a friend or family member to help you out.
  • Stay away from dusty areas. It’s a great idea to have your house vacuumed and cleaned before surgery, as your eyes will be sensitive to airborne allergens such as dust.
  • Don’t rub your eye. Eye rubbing is a quick way to develop a nasty infection. It’s never a good idea, even when you aren’t recovering from surgery.
  • Don’t swim. It’s best to avoid swimming or hot tubs for a week after surgery.
  • Don’t wear make-up. Ask your doctor when you can resume doing so.

Symptoms to watch for after cataract surgery

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact your ophthalmologist immediately:

  • Vision loss
  • Pain that persists despite the use of over-the-counter pain medications
  • Light flashes or multiple spots (floaters) in front of your eye
  • Nausea, vomiting or excessive coughing

No information here is intended to substitute for advice from a qualified medical practitioner. If you or someone else you know are about to have cataract surgery, make sure you ask your ophthalmologist to outline the best steps for recovery.

More information about cataract surgery

Learn more about cataracts and cataract surgery, and find clinics that perform cataract surgery in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

Use the following link to find your nearest Vision Hospital Group day surgery location.

Ask a questionBook a consultation


Enjoyed this article?

The information on this page is general in nature. All medical and surgical procedures have potential benefits and risks. Consult your ophthalmologist for specific medical advice.

What activities should be avoided after cataract surgery?

What Activities Should Be Avoided After Cataract Surgery?.
Driving. For at least 24 hours after cataract surgery, you shouldn't drive. ... .
Wearing Makeup. Makeup is so much fun, but it is also full of bacteria. ... .
Performing Strenuous Activities. ... .
Going Near Dirty or Dusty Areas. ... .
Swimming. ... .
Forgetting Your Sunglasses. ... .
Rubbing Your Eye..

What are you allowed to do after cataract surgery?

Do not bend over or do any strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 2 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, gardening, and dusting for 1 to 2 weeks. Wear sunglasses on bright days for at least 1 year after surgery.

How many days rest is required after cataract surgery?

While each person heals differently, many patients report drastically better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Plan on taking one to three days off of work to be sure you have enough time to rest, but it is normal to resume most normal activities within a couple of days.