Cataract Surgery Do’s and Dont’s
Tips for post cataract surgery
Physical activity:
It is safe to-
Shave or bathe from the neck down the day after surgery. Use a clean wet towel to wipe your face. Do not let water splash into the operated eye.
Read, watch TV and use the computer within a few hours.
Perform gentle exercises and normal household activities.
Consume your usual diet.
Work
You can return to work, depending on your type of employment, after about 2 weeks. You can also resume normal daily activities almost immediately.
Flying
after cataract removal surgery will not harm your eye. Most people could fly in few days after cataract surgery, if that was needed. The recirculated and dry air in an airplane may cause some irritation after eye surgery.
Driving
The length of time after cataract surgery before you can drive depends on a number of factors – your doctor will tell you, if you are safe to resume driving at the 4‐week post‐op follow‐up. It is recommended not to drive at least for a week following surgery. Glasses will not be prescribed until4‐6 weeks post op.
Do’s After Cataract Surgery
Here are some of the activities one must do after cataract surgery.
Put the eye drops as prescribed by the eye surgeon.
Wipe any discharge with sterile wipes.
Wear sunglasses when going outside.
Relax for the initial days for faster recovery
Wear an eye shield while going to sleep
Read, watch TV or stare at the screen but for a limited duration to avoid eye fatigue.
When taking a shower, protect the eyes by wearing the eye shield.
Clean the eye shield and sunglasses daily with soap and warm water. Wipe it dry before wearing them to lower the risk of any infection.
Take the antibiotics or other prescribed medications as recommended by the surgeon.
Shave carefully provided that you don’t wash the face.
Whenever touching the treated area, wash the hands thoroughly with soap.
Activities To Avoid After Cataract Surgery
Similar to activities that are allowed, there are some activities that you must completely avoid post-cataract surgery. Keep the following tips in mind-
Do not rub or touch the operated eye.
Do not splash water into the eyes directly.
Do not use soap to wash the face.
Do not apply any makeup on the eyes.
Do not take a head bath for at least a month. Speak with your doctor first before doing so.
Neither drive nor fly during the recovery period.
Avoid going to crowded / dusty places to lower the risk of an eye infection.
Avoid vigorous coughing/sneezing.
Avoid straining during a bowel movement.
Avoid strenuous exercises.
Avoid going swimming or taking a dip in the pool.Avoid swimming for 4 to 6 weeks
Do not miss out on any of the follow-ups with the doctor.
How To Wash The Eyes After Cataract Surgery?
First, wash both the hands with soap and water. Make sure that they are absolutely dry.
To clean the wound, you require boiled water that is cooled down to room temperature and a clean cotton ball and gauze.
Dip the cotton ball or gauze in the bowl of water and squeeze out the excess water.
Take the soaked cotton and stroke it around the eye margin and eyelid gently.
While cleaning the eye, move from the inner part of the eye to the outer and not the other way around.
With the other end of the cotton, gently clean the eyelids.
While cleaning the lower lids, look upwards.
Repeat this twice a day unless instructed otherwise by the eye surgeon.
Complications That Can Occur If Proper Precautions Are Not Taken
Cataract surgery is a safe procedure to undergo. The laser-assisted technique to complete the procedure provides extra security as it guarantees far more precision and accuracy. Hence, our team of doctors relies on this technique over conventional methods to remove cataracts.
However, the patient may have to suffer several risks and complications if they don’t follow the proper post-operative instructions provided by our doctors. Some of these are-
Infection in and around the eyes
Inflammation inside the eyes
Broken lens pieces stuck inside the eye
Detachment of the retina
Extreme sensitivity to light
Swelling of the middle of the retina, also known as macular edema
Elevated pressure inside the eye that can cause glaucoma.
Drooping of the eyelids also known as ptosis
These are not permanent solutions. Cataract will develop completely & cause further reduction in vision. Symptoms will worsen & may lead to loss of vision. At this stage, surgical removal of cataract is the only option.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Once you are back at home, it is common to watery eyes, blurred vision, redness in the eyes, or double vision. Experts explain that this is the eye’s mechanism of coping up to the new lens implanted. However, there can be some symptoms you need to watch out for as they indicate something far more serious. These symptoms occur when the patient doesn’t take proper precautions. Look out for the following- These days, cataract surgery is more like day care procedure. There is no need of hospitalization. Patient walks in for surgery & walks out post recovery period which is usually 1-2 hrs. This is a voluntary surgery which can be pre-planned as per patients’ convenience. Sometimes cataract may mature completely & cause other eye problems. Then it may need to be operated on an emergency basis.
A sudden reduction in vision
Excessive redness
Pain
Stickiness
In case you experience any of the above symptoms, doctors recommend contacting the eye surgeon or getting medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
It is of utmost importance that patients follow the instructions after the cataract surgery. Otherwise, there is a high possibility of side effects and complications. For any more clarification related to cataract surgery, consult with us. To ensure the proper diagnosis of the condition, our doctors utilize state-of-the-art equipment. In addition to this, we recommend going for follow-up consultations to check the progress of healing. Book an appointment today to know more.