Are you considering cataract surgery to restore your vision? While cataract surgery is one of the most common and safe procedures performed today, proper post-operative care is essential for optimal healing.
Keep reading to learn more about 9 things to avoid after cataract surgery so you can maximize your recovery.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts are a condition that occurs when proteins within the natural lens break down and cloud your vision. Cataract surgery involves removing your clouded natural lens and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL).
Using advanced techniques, our cataract surgeons can perform this procedure with minimal incisions, typically requiring no stitches. Most patients experience improved vision within days of surgery and can resume many normal activities within 24-48 hours.
However, complete healing may take 4-6 weeks. During this recovery period, certain activities and behaviors should be avoided to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome.
Key Activities to Avoid After Cataract Surgery
1. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
After cataract surgery, your eye may feel itchy or uncomfortable, but rubbing it can disrupt the healing process or even damage the surgical site. If you experience discomfort, use the prescribed eye drops to alleviate irritation.
2. Avoid Water in Your Eyes
For at least one week after surgery, keep water, soap, and shampoo out of your eyes when showering or washing your face. Instead, you can take sponge baths or shower with your face away from the water stream.
When washing your hair, tilt your head back to prevent water from running into your eyes.
3. Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity
Heavy lifting, intense exercise, and activities that significantly increase blood pressure should be avoided for at least one week. However, light walking is typically permitted and encouraged after a few days of healing.
Follow your cataract surgeon’s specific recommendations regarding when to resume more high-impact activities.
4. Avoid Dusty or Dirty Environments
Exposure to dust, dirt, pollen, or other airborne particles increases the risk of eye irritation and infection. You can reduce your risk by staying indoors when it’s windy or when pollen counts are high, and if you must go outside, wear sunglasses.
5. Avoid Swimming and Hot Tubs
Swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water harbor bacteria that could cause infection. Wait at least 2-4 weeks before swimming, and always wear goggles once your doctor has cleared you to return to these activities.
6. Avoid Driving Until Cleared
Your depth perception and visual acuity may be temporarily affected after surgery, making driving unsafe. Arrange for someone to drive you home from surgery and to your follow-up appointments until your cataract surgeon confirms it’s safe for you to drive again, which is typically within 24 hours.
7. Avoid Bending Over
Bending at the waist with your head below your heart increases eye pressure and can strain your healing incision. If you need to pick something up, bend at the knees instead of the waist, keeping your head above your heart.
8. Avoid Sleeping on the Operative Side
Pressure on your healing eye could disrupt the surgical site or cause discomfort. Instead, you should sleep on your back or on the non-operative side.
Use the protective eye shield provided by your eye doctor when sleeping for at least the first week.
9. Avoid Makeup Around the Eyes
Eye makeup, particularly powders and mascaras, can introduce particles and bacteria into the healing eye. Wait at least one week before resuming eye makeup use.
At Metro Eye Care, we understand that successful cataract surgery doesn’t end in the operating room. Your recovery period is a crucial part of achieving the best possible vision outcomes.
By avoiding these activities and following your surgeon’s specific instructions, you’re giving your eyes the best chance to heal properly. Schedule an appointment with Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ, today!
