Do you have cataracts? If you’re experiencing symptoms like blurry vision, you may wonder if it could be time for cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is one of the world’s most commonly performed medical procedures. Cataracts are also prevalent since most people develop cataracts due to aging.
The only way to treat cataracts is by having cataract surgery. Cataract surgery also ensures you can see clearly since it removes your cataracts and replaces the natural lens in your eye with an intraocular lens.
If you have advanced cataracts, undergoing cataract surgery can be life-changing! Because cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, you’ll go home after it’s over.
Combine that with a quick recovery, and you’ll return to what you love before you know it while enjoying significantly improved vision! Are you wondering how to have the best possible recovery?
Keep reading to learn about do’s and don’ts for a more comfortable cataract surgery recovery!
Do’s
Use Prescribed Eye Drops
You’ll receive prescription eye drops after cataract surgery at Dell Laser Consultants. These are antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to help your eyes heal as quickly as possible and to help prevent infection.
You may need to take these multiple times daily, which can be challenging to keep track of. Your eye doctor may give you a chart to make remembering what you’ve taken and when easier.
Consider setting an alarm on your phone as a reminder to take your prescription eye drops. Make sure you’re taking your eye drops exactly as directed for the smoothest recovery possible after cataract surgery.
Use Your Eye Shield At Night
After your cataract procedure, you’ll receive an eye shield from your cataract surgeon at Dell Laser Consultants. The shield is plastic and taped over your eye with medical tape.
You can also purchase other versions online that are attached with elastic if that would make you more comfortable. Your cataract surgeon will tell you to wear your eye shield for the first few hours after cataract surgery.
You’ll also need to wear it while sleeping. You’ll need to wear the eye shield at night to prevent your eye from getting accidentally rubbed, aggravated, or irritated after cataract surgery.
Most patients must wear an eye shield for about a week to ten days after cataract surgery. Make sure you do not accidentally dislodge the eye shield or put pressure on your eye while it is still healing.
Wear Sunglasses Whenever You’re Outside
After cataract surgery, eye protection becomes even more critical. One way that you need to protect your eyes after the procedure is from the sun.
The sun’s UV rays are always damaging, but after cataract surgery, you may find that your eyes are more sensitive to light. If you’re going outdoors, wear sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection from the sun’s rays.
For patients with the Light Adjustable Lens that have yet to lock in their vision, rather than sunglasses, make sure you use the UV protection glasses provided to you to wear at all times unless you’re sleeping, putting in eye drops, or washing your face. These protective glasses ensure you won’t accidentally change the power of the Light Adjustable Lens before it’s locked in and set to help you achieve your optimal vision goals.
Contact Your Cataract Surgeon If You Experience Unusual Eye Pain
Discomfort after cataract surgery should be minimal and will go away within just a few days. If you experience discomfort for longer or pain, vision loss, nausea, vomiting, floaters, or coughing, contact your cataract surgeon. Although these side effects are rare, they can be a sign of surgical complications that require immediate treatment.
Don’ts
Drive Before You’re Cleared
After cataract surgery, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. You’ll only be allowed to drive again once your cataract surgeon clears you.
At your first follow-up, usually the day or two after your procedure, your surgeon will test your vision and clear you to drive at a later follow-up appointment.
Wear Eye Makeup
Don’t use eye makeup, lotions, or skincare products around your eyes. This ensures nothing gets in your eye while it’s still healing.
You should avoid using beauty products around your eyes for at least a week.
Get Water or Soap in Your Eye
You’ll have to be careful when showering to avoid getting water, soap, or anything else in your eye for several weeks after cataract surgery. Water, especially tap water, can harbor bacteria in it.
After cataract surgery, your eye will be more vulnerable to infection due to potential bacteria. If showering is too difficult, consider a bath instead. However, if you want to try showering, make sure the showerhead aims water below your neck.
Use Pools or Hot Tubs
Chlorine can harm your eye while healing. Stay away from pools and hot tubs for several weeks after cataract surgery. The danger of getting chlorine in your eyes is too great, even if you’re careful. After this point, you can go back to your favorite activities, whether it’s a relaxing soak in your hot tub or doing laps in the pool to stay fit.
Exercise Vigorously or Lift Heavy Objects
You should be able to complete most of your daily activities as normal within just a day or two of having cataract surgery. However, one thing to be cautious about is avoiding exercise and heavy lifting.
You should also avoid bending over as much as possible in the first few days. Anything that raises your blood pressure can affect how your eye heals.
You should be able to complete light exercise within the first week of cataract surgery. Avoid doing anything too strenuous during the first two weeks after the procedure.
Ready to improve your vision? Today, take the next step by requesting your cataract consultation at Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, TX!
