As with any kind of surgery, cataract surgery can exact a sizable toll on a person. Compared to other procedures, recovery from cataract surgery is usually much easier.
Want to have the best cataract surgery recovery possible? Keep reading for 3 tips that will help you make the most of your recovery!
Be Extra Careful With Your Eyes
After cataract surgery, it will be much easier for you to damage your eyes. Additionally, your eyes will be extra vulnerable to infection from outside sources. This is why it is important to be especially vigilant and avoid any unnecessary risks. Until your doctor gives the okay:
- Do not lift heavy objects. The strain can change the pressure in your eyes enough to damage the fragile, healing cornea.
- Do not bend over until a few days have passed. This can also put pressure on your eyes.
- Do not sneeze. Obviously, sometimes you can’t help it. Do your best to suppress the urges as, again, this puts brief but intense pressure on the eyes.
- Do not rub your eyes. It can be very tempting as your eyes may feel irritated after cataract surgery. Resist the urge! Putting your hands near your eyes could lead to an infection.
- Do not swim or use hot tubs. Even when showering you should try to keep your eyes closed. Even clean water contains bacteria. Under normal circumstances, this isn’t a big deal. When you’re recovering from cataract surgery, your eyes are more vulnerable to infection.
- Do not go outside without wearing UV protected lenses. Sunglasses that are not only 100% UV protected but also fit well around your eyes are best. This way, you are not only protected from harmful sun rays, but you can avoid getting particles in your eyes.
Go To Follow-Up Appointments
You will likely have a follow-up appointment scheduled within 48 hours after the surgery. You will also have a few more scattered throughout the recovery process.
This is so your doctor can check in on the progress that you’ve made and stop any problems before they occur or get worse. It may be tempting to skip out on the checkups, but they are every bit as important as the surgery itself.
Get Plenty Of Rest After The Surgery
Surgery can take a lot out of you. Immediately after the surgery, you will rest in the office before leaving.
Cataract surgery uses anesthetic, meaning you can’t drive yourself home. Find a friend or family member that can drive you home and make sure you’re comfortable.
When you do get home, feel free to nap as much as you like. You will need to wear a protective shield over the recovering eye while sleeping. This is to protect your eye from any rubbing or bumps while you sleep. This is a protective measure and only needs to be worn during the first week of recovery.
Want more information about cataract surgery? Schedule a consultation with Colorado Eye Consultants in Evergreen, Colorado! You don’t have to live with the debilitating vision loss that comes with cataracts!
