6 Tips for the Smoothest Cataract Surgery Recovery
If you’re excited to have cataract surgery and get your clear vision back, you’ll need to take the necessary steps to ensure you have a seamless recovery. Cataract surgery is an almost painless procedure.
You can take care of any lingering discomfort you may experience by using prescription eye drops or medications. Having cataract surgery only takes about thirty minutes to complete, and the recovery time is minimal. Keep reading for six tips to have a successful recovery after cataract surgery!
1. Find Someone to Drive You After Cataract Surgery
Although you may feel fine, your vision may be blurry or distorted after cataract surgery. For this reason, you can’t drive after the procedure.
Since you can’t drive, make sure you have a friend or a trusted family member that can take you home after your procedure. Your eye doctor will let you know when it’s safe for you to drive again.
2. Follow All Instructions From Your Eye Doctor and Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
After cataract surgery, your eye doctor will give you instructions necessary for the recovery process. Some of them will include:
- Making sure you complete your course of antibiotics to prevent any infections and complications
- Not wearing makeup for two to three weeks post-op
- Wearing dark sunglasses that provide UV protection in the first few weeks whenever you go outdoors
- Staying in a dust-free environment and not cleaning dusty areas
- Contacting your doctor immediately if you experience light flashes, persistent pain, nausea, vomiting, or vision loss after surgery
Follow-up appointments are a critical part of your recovery. Your ophthalmologist will be able to monitor your healing progress closely and, if necessary, prescribe medication.
3. Avoid Any Strenuous Activities
It’s imperative not to be involved in any strenuous activities for the first few weeks, including heavy lifting. It doesn’t matter if your eyes feel strong after several days.
You should not do any laborious work as it can strain your eyes and interfere with the healing process.
4. Do Not Swim or Go In Any Bodies of Water
After cataract surgery, your eyes will be more susceptible to infection. Swimming or going in any bodies of water can result in infection.
You can take a shower after cataract surgery as long as you’re careful not to get water in your eyes. Instead, you can use a damp face cloth or face wipes to thoroughly cleanse your face during the first week of recovery.
5. Don’t Rub Your Eyes or Expose them to the Wind or Dust
Rubbing your eyes can put undue strain on your recuperating eyes. If you want your eyes to heal naturally and quickly, do not expose your eyes to dust, wind, and other irritants.
6. Steer Clear from Harsh Lighting
Your laptop, smart devices, and television are examples of harsh, flashing lights. Whenever possible, avoid harsh lighting and use dim lamps.
It’s also important to rest your eyes as often as possible to have a faster recovery.
Looking for Top-Rated Cataract Surgery Experts?
Following the above tips can help reduce potential risks that may interfere with proper healing after cataract surgery. The eye doctors at Short Hills Ophthalmology specialize in the correction of vision problems and transforming lives.
Are you concerned that you may need to have cataract surgery? Schedule your cataract screening at Short Hills Ophthalmology in Clifton and Short Hills, NJ, today!
