Eye Care After Cataract Surgery
Posted on: 5 May 2021
After cataract surgery, you must take steps to ensure the surgery is a success. If you follow the aftercare plan, you should end up with better sight within weeks after surgery. However, if you aren't careful, you may not have the desired results. When that happens, you could need further treatment. Here is more to know about eye care after your cataract surgery so you get the best results possible.
Don't Drive Home After Surgery
After the surgery, you will wait in a recovery area until the anaesthesia wears off. You may think you're fine to drive home on your own, but don't do that. Instead, have someone pick you up. Try not to drive for the next day or two as well.
Don't Engage in Strenuous Activities
Don't try to lift heavy weights or do hard cardio exercises for at least two weeks after your surgery. Be especially careful with bending over. Bending causes increased pressure in your eyes.
Don't Touch or Rub Your Eye
You shouldn't touch or rub your eye in general, but it's even more important not to do it after surgery. Rubbing your eye puts pressure on the new lens and could cause it to become dislocated.
Don't Go Swimming Right Away
Stay away from any situation where you could get water in your eyes. For example, don't go swimming. Also, protect your eyes when you shower. Stay away from hot tubs as well, especially for the first week after surgery.
Do Use an Eye Guard
Wear your eye guard in any situation where you could either get something in your eye or could put pressure on it. For example, wear it when you sleep to avoid rolling over and putting pressure on your eye.
Do Wear Sunglasses
You should wear prescription sunglasses anytime you are outside in bright light. Make sure your sunglasses have adequate UV protection. Prepare to wear them for at least a year. You may want to consider wearing them afterwards as well.
Do Eat a Healthy Diet
Always eat healthily, but it's more important you do so after any surgery. Avoid simple carbohydrates and opt for all-natural fruits and vegetables as much as possible. If you have diabetes, make sure you keep a close eye on your blood sugar to facilitate the healing process.
Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will likely give you a care sheet for your aftercare. Study and do everything on your list. If you have special circumstances, discuss them with your doctor before or soon after your surgery. If you want to know more about cataract surgery, eye care, or eye problems in general, talk to an optometrist.
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