How long does it take to recover from Cataract Surgery?- Cataract Surgery is a painless and risk-free procedure that improves vision for 97% of people having impaired vision. People want to achieve their old lifestyle after treatment as early as possible. Modern Cataract Surgery requires slight after-care which some careful measures should follow.
Do’s and Don’ts after Cataract Surgery-
People usually recover from Cataract Surgery after four weeks and experience better vision after a day of surgery.
- Rest is required after the surgery. You should avoid driving or watching TV on the day of the surgery.
- Use your eye drops as prescribed by your doctor.
- You can bathe or take a shower as usual.
- You should wear sunglasses or old glasses when visiting outdoors to protect your eyes.
- Wear your eye shield while showering, sleeping, and at night to avoid pressure on the operated eye.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects, going to the gym, or performing positions that might apply pressure on the incisions in your eyes. This also includes strenuous activities like vomiting and sneezing.
- Refrain from rubbing your eyes.
- Protect your eyes from shampoo, soap, or other irritants.
- Your eyes are prone to infection with makeup, so you should abstain from wearing makeup.
- It is imperative that you reduce your alcohol and processed foods intake after surgery. Also avoid consuming foods that contain excessive sugar, carbohydrates, and salt.
- Prevent from swimming for the first couple of weeks after surgery.
- Exposure to bright lights, screens, and dust can affect your recovery time. It is advised to protect your eyes in these situations.
- Do not eat fried foods.
- In some cases, your eyes may feel dry after surgery. Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.
A few side effects that patients experience after surgery-
- You may not achieve full vision right after surgery. It takes a few hours, days, or weeks depending on people.
- Blurred vision or double vision.
- Eye pain or discomfort.
- Watering eyes.
- Light sensitivity
- Red or bloodshot eye
- Swelling to a certain extent is normal after surgery, however excessive swelling after surgery can be an indication of inflammation.
You should call your doctor if you experience vision loss, inflammation, unbearable pain in the operated eye, or infection.
Situations that might affect your recovery time-
Going back to work
A sufficient amount of rest is required after cataract treatment. Some people have to get back to their work or study schedule right after surgery. It is best advised to refrain from using screens or performing too brain-storming tasks at least for three days after surgery. People can read books and study but they should prevent from working and studying for a long period as it might put pressure on the eyes.
Driving after surgery
Driving right after surgery is not a smart decision as you may experience a few side effects like blurred vision or less clarity after surgery. Patients should avoid self-transportation mediums for at least 24 hours after surgery. Driving a day after surgery should also be considered after ensuring there is proper balance of vision in both of your eyes. Also, protect your eyes from direct wind or AC air.
Showering or head wash
There are incisions made in your eyes during surgery. It is very important to protect those incisions from getting contaminated through shampoo, soap, or even water. Wear an eye shield when showering or to avoid infection, get ahold of head-wash routines, swimming, or hot tubs in the first month of surgery.
Exercising
It is recommended not to lift heavy objects or perform weightlifting after surgery as it may apply pressure on the incisions made in your eyes. This falls under strenuous activities that also include vomiting, sneezing, or bending over your back after surgery. You can return to your workout routine after 2-3 weeks.
Eye-drops
After surgery, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops to avoid eye infections. You should use the eye drops as instructed by your doctor maintaining complete hygiene.
- Wash your hands before applying eye drops.
- Do not rub your eyes.
- Use the eye drops only on the operated eye.
- Wipe your eyes with a napkin or clean cloth after applying eye drops.
Cataract Surgery is a safe, quick, and comfortable treatment. You can recover even faster if you follow some preventive measures. Healing depends on person to person and the condition of your eyes so don’t compare your recovery time with your family or friends. To avoid hassle-free and healthy eye surgery, connect with Garg Eye Hospital the best eye hospital in Punjab comprising professionals in the eye-surgery field.
