6 Do’s And Don’ts For Cataract Surgery Recovery
June 19th, 2018
Cataract surgery is a quick procedure, but recovery afterward can take some time. It is important during this recovery period to follow your doctor’s instructions and care for your eyes properly. Neglecting a regimen of post-surgery care can lead to infections and other problems. Here are just some of the things you should and shouldn’t do while recovering!
Do: Use Your Prescribed Eye Drops
After cataract surgery, your doctor will prescribe you eye drops to keep your eye from getting infected. These may or may not be the same kind of drops you were given in preparation for surgery, but it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and use the drops as frequently as they tell you to. Do not assume the regimen will be the same as it was before surgery, as you will likely have to use the drops more and at different times.
Don’t: Get Soap or Water in Your Eye
Your eye will have a small incision in it that will heal naturally over time— there will be no stitches used to keep the incision closed. It is vital to protect your eye as much as possible! It is a lot easier for bacteria and other particles to get in, because of the open incision. When showering, keeping your eye free of things like water and soap may be difficult, but it is extremely important. If you do not think you can avoid getting any soap or water in your eye in the shower, take a bath instead!
Do: Wear a Protective Shield When You Sleep
Even during sleep, it is important to keep your eye protected. While you will be conscious of what is near your eye during the day, at night you can roll over and rub your eye accidentally against your pillow, which could get germs in your eye and lead to an infection. Your doctor will give you an eye shield to use at night, so remember to use it!
Don’t: Rub or Press on Your Eye
Rubbing your eye can lead to bacteria or an infection, and the pressure is also bad for the healing incision. Your eye may itch sometimes, but rubbing it will only make things worse— you must resist the urge! Keeping your eye as clean and clear of contact as possible will lead to faster healing.
Do: Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Your doctor will have specific instructions about what to do and what not to do after surgery— make sure you follow these instructions to the letter! Your doctor knows what’s best and ignoring their advice can lead to complications. These complications may lead to additional surgery or eventual vision loss.
Don’t: Be Too Active Too Soon After Surgery
Your doctor will also tell you how soon after surgery you can continue exercise and strenuous activity. Do not attempt heavy activity before your doctor says it’s okay— this could be dangerous. It is best to limit yourself to sedentary and light activity until you have recovered enough, as determined by your doctor.
To learn more about cataract surgery and see if it’s right for you, contact Laser Eye Center for a consultation!
