4 Ways to Have a Great Cataract Surgery Recovery This Spring

April 9th, 2021

Congratulations! You’ve decided to go ahead with having cataract surgery. You have a date scheduled, and you’ve discussed what to expect during and after the procedure.

But have you thought about what you need to do to prepare for your recovery?

You’ll be able to resume most activities a few days or a week after having this safe procedure. But a few days to a week can be a long time if you haven’t prepared for it.

Keep reading to learn how you can prepare to have an excellent cataract surgery recovery.

Be Extra Prepared

You’ve already planned the day of the surgery. You know when you will leave the house and who is going to drive you home after the procedure.

You’ve planned to rest for the remainder of the day after you get home. You’ve even decided how many days you’re going to take off from work.

But have you thought about preparing meals ahead of time? You can make and freeze a few days’ worth of meals, and then you won’t have to worry about it.

And don’t forget to buy some of your favorite snacks. Maybe have a few close by where you’ll be resting. That way, you won’t have to search for them when you’re hungry.

Get the chores done ahead of time. You’re going to want to be able to sit back and enjoy a few days of relaxation.

Catch Up On Sleep

After cataract surgery, you’ll feel tired and want to rest for the remainder of the day. And if you still feel tired the next day, don’t fight the temptation to get more sleep. Go with it.

Sleeping a lot is how your body heals itself. Plenty of rest in the days following your procedure will speed up your recovery time.

Follow Your Eye Doctors Orders

After your cataract surgery, your surgeon will give you a prescription for eye drops. They will instruct you to use these drops during the week after your procedure.

The eye drops will aid in the healing process by keeping your eyes well hydrated. Also, they will make sure your eyes don’t itch.

Touching your eyes after cataract surgery is strictly prohibited. Your surgeon will remind you of this, and the eye drops should help reduce this urge.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

Avoid strenuous activities like bending and lifting for about a week after having cataract surgery. This is why you want to make sure you have prepared everything you will need before you have the procedure.

It’s also a good idea to have a friend or relative nearby for the first day or two if you need anything.

You should plan on having a designated ‘recovery’ spot ahead of time. Stock this area with anything restful that you may want or need.

On the day of your procedure, you will have to go home and rest. Do not do anything that is going to strain your eyes immediately after your procedure. This includes reading, watching tv, or looking at your cell phone.

After a day or two has passed, you still need to avoid strenuous activities, but you can do relaxing things like reading a book or watching tv. So, have your remote, some good books, and some snacks within reach for the rest of your recovery week.

Do you think you have cataracts but haven’t seen your eye doctor about them? Schedule a cataract screening at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, to determine if cataract surgery could clear up your vision!