Once you get home, it is recommended that you rest your eyes and nap. Several hours post-surgery, most people are able to watch some television or look at a computer screen for a short period of time.
You can read or watch TV right away, but things may look blurry. Most people are able to return to work or their normal routine in 1 to 3 days. After your eye heals, you may still need to wear glasses, especially for reading.
While you can see after cataract surgery, it's best to avoid screentime on your computer, mobile device, or TV. The light from these devices strain the eye, and it's best to avoid them for one to three days if possible. After your eyes heal, you may also need to wear glasses for reading and screens.
Physical Restrictions after Cataract Surgery
Strenuous exercise includes jogging, aerobics, weight lifting, football, running, cycling, tennis etc. Even yoga after cataract surgery is considered a strenuous exercise.
Another important precaution is to avoid harsh, flashing lights for at least the first 24-hours after your cataract surgery. This includes sources of light from your television, mobile phone, tablet device, computer, laptop etc.
It is best to wait two days after surgery before washing your hair. 4.
Are they safe to wear? You will not harm your eyes by wearing your old glasses. However, you may prefer not wearing them since, in most cases, your vision will have improved after surgery, in particular your distance vision.
In general, it's safe to do light exercise the first week after cataract surgery. This includes walking and stretching without bending at the waist. By the second week, you can resume moderate-intensity activity. At 4 to 6 weeks, you should be fully healed.
How long does recovery take? Your eye will feel normal again 24 hours after surgery. However, your sensitivity to light may persist for a few more days. It will take four to six weeks for your eye to fully heal.
Cataract surgery involves replacing the cloudy lens inside your eye with an artificial one. It has a high success rate in improving your eyesight. It can take 2 to 6 weeks to fully recover from cataract surgery.
Yes, after cataract surgery, you need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. After surgery, your eyes are healing and are more sensitive to the sun's rays than usual.
Exposure to water can put your eyes at risk of infection or irritation until your eye has healed from surgery. “Give yourself at least one night of sleep before showering, and prevent the stream of water from hitting your eyes directly,” says Eghrari.
While home, you may be allowed to remove your eye shield, but you should wear it when sleeping for at least a week to prevent eye injury. Full recovery from cataract surgery should be complete in about a month, although it can take up to three months for your eye to be completely healed.
Same Day At Home. Resume your normal walking, climbing of stairs, avoid strenuous activity and no lifting greater than 20 pounds for the first 7-10 days. Resume any medication you were taking from other doctors as ordered when you get home.
Medicare will pay for one pair of post-cataract surgery glasses per lifetime per eye after cataract surgery.
It is very common to have blurry or unclear vision in the days and sometimes even weeks after cataract removal. Most of the time, this is caused by normal swelling in the eye which occurs as a part of surgery. Patients with larger, denser and/or firmer cataracts are more likely to experience more inflammation.
Use boiled water and cool it (distilled water) to clean the operated eye. Dip a cotton ball or gauze piece in this water and gently clean the eye margins and eyelid. Swipe the cotton across from the inner corner (near the nose) to the outer corner of the operated eye. Look up and gently wipe off any sticky discharges.
Washing Your Face and Hygiene after Cataract Surgery
You can resume activities such as washing your face the day after surgery, as long as you are careful to not touch the eye. You shouldn't splash water directly on your face and instead, use a washcloth to carefully clean.
Sleep on your back or on the opposite side of the eye that was operated on to decrease your risk of infection and irritation after surgery. If you turn over in your sleep, your eye shield should help protect your eye from significant damage.
The light sensitivity settles down in a few weeks during the recovery period after cataract surgery as the brain adapts to the new normal level of light intensity.
These include discomfort, bruising and swelling of the eyelid, increased intraocular pressure, and allergic reaction to the steroid or antibiotic drop. These complications are monitored over time following surgery.
It is estimated that between 0.05% and 3% of patients who have undergone cataract surgery will suffer from a spontaneous dislocation of the IOL. Some studies show that its incidence is higher 5 years after surgery.
You may drink clear water up to 3 hours before you are due to arrive at the Eye Surgery Center. You may brush your teeth in the morning before surgery. You may wear your hearing aid or dentures. Bathe or shower the morning of surgery to minimize the chance of infection.
Patients may brush their teeth, but use as little water as possible. Do not wear any make-up or perfume on the day of surgery. Contact lenses should be removed.