After Cataract Surgery: How to Manage Your Vision
The healing process is crucial after any surgery.
You might be eager to get back to your everyday routine, but it can take you a few weeks to be able to resume.
In economically developed countries, the cataract surgical rate (operations per million population in one year) ranges from 4000 to 10000.
The post-operation recovery speed depends upon various factors, including whether or not you take the necessary precautions.
Read along to know all the do’s and dont’s after cataract surgery.
What is normal?
You are usually allowed to go home on the same day as the surgery.
But you will likely have your eye covered until the next day, at least.
Although the sensation might return to your eye within a few hours, it might take a few days for your vision to return entirely to normal.
In the meantime, do not be alarmed if you notice the following after cataract surgery:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Redness in the eye
- Watering
- Itchiness
- A gritty feeling like something is in the eye
These side effects go away slowly in about four to six weeks.
But it might be concerning if the following symptoms show up:
- Vision loss
- Eye pain
- Flashing light
- Persistent discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
Cataract surgery aftercare
Millions of people successfully undergo cataract surgery each year.
While the recovery process is usually seamless, doctors recommend you take some general precautions to aid the healing process.
Some such necessary steps are mentioned here.
Wear a shield
Your doctor might ask you to wear an eye shield after cataract surgery when you sleep or take a nap.
This will help you to avoid rubbing your eye or causing any accidental injury to it.
You might also be suggested to wear glasses during the daytime to protect your eyes.
Eye drops and medication
Topical medications, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroids, are often prescribed to be used as aftercare for cataract surgery.
A 2016 study found NSAIDs help prevent
- Post-op inflammation
- Intraoperative Miosis
- Development of Cystoid Macular Edema
Some of the commonly prescribed NSAIDs include:
| NSAIDs | Price |
|---|---|
| NS-Aid eye drops | $1.34 |
| Megabrom | $5.52 |
Sleeping position
The correct sleeping position after Cataract surgery is of actual importance to avoid complications.
If you tend to sleep on your side, your doctor might suggest you sleep on your non-operated side.
This is important to avoid any unnecessary pressure on the operated eye.
Compresses
Cold compresses are known to reduce eye inflammation.
A study by H Fujishima et al. reported that applying an ice-cold eye mask over gauze after a cataract operation significantly improved the patient’s comfort level.
They also found no adverse effect of the same on the healing process.
Washing your face
Doctors recommend avoiding exposing the operated eye to direct contact with water.
This doesn’t mean you need to disregard your hygiene.
You can use a washcloth to clean the entire face instead of splashing water on it.
During the initial 24 hours, the little incision starts to close, and the eye’s surface seals shut.
The smooth barrier beneath the eye’s surface may take a few more weeks to recover completely.
Restrictions after cataract surgery
Your doctor might also ask you to avoid certain activities as they might interfere with the healing process.
Some of those activities are as follows:
Bending down
Your doctor might advise you not to bend over or lower your head below waist level.
This might increase eye pressure.
Driving
Since you might experience vision issues post-surgery, such as blurry or double vision, you might not be allowed to drive.
People with a strong prescription before surgery might experience an imbalance in their vision.
Your old prescription glasses might also be redundant after the surgery.
Ask for your doctor’s advice to know when it is safe for you to start driving.
Exercise or any strenuous activity
Most people can start light exercises shortly after cataract surgery. However, avoid any kind of physical activity right after the surgery.
Doctors suggest avoiding vigorous exercises like running, swimming, biking, etc., till at least a week post-operation.
Also, you might want to take time to get back to activities like reading or doing computer work, etc.
This is because your vision might not be clear in the initial days after surgery.
Swimming or showering
You should wait for at least two weeks before you start swimming.
While you might be allowed to shower the day after your surgery, you must be cautious not to let the water directly hit your eye.
Others
Apart from those mentioned above, you should also restrict yourself from doing certain other activities.
These might cause discomfort or interfere with the healing process.
After cataract surgery, do not
- Rub your eyes
- Let shampoo or soap get into them
- Wear makeup till your eyes have healed
- Fly without your doctor’s approval
- Expose your eyes to dirt, dust, and pollen
- Use any medication without your doctor’s permission
Takeaway
One can notice an improvement in vision a few days after cataract surgery.
But it might take between four and eight weeks to recover fully.
In the meantime, you might be prescribed medications and compress to relieve post-surgery symptoms.
Your doctor might also ask you to sleep straight and wear your eye shield.
Additionally, bending down, driving, swimming, or doing any strenuous activity might be prohibited for some time.
It is advisable to ask your doctor regarding the length of time of these precautions for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities should be avoided after cataract surgery?
Don’t bend down, perform any strenuous activity, or expose your eye to dirt or pollen for two weeks or until your doctor allows you to do the same. Also, avoid swimming, showering, rubbing your eyes, or wearing eye makeup.
How long does it take for the vision to clear after cataract surgery?
Typically it takes about four to eight weeks to recover from cataract surgery completely. But, some people can notice improvements within the first few days post-op. Consult your doctor if you see no improvement in your vision even after eight weeks of surgery.
How long after cataract surgery can you drive?
It is common to have blurry vision for a few days post-surgery. But, most patients can drive within the next 24 hours. However, seeking your doctor’s approval before you start driving is strongly suggested.
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