6 Tips To Recover Quickly From Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery can dramatically improve your vision and help you live a more fulfilling life. While recovering from this procedure is fairly easy, you still have to take certain precautions to ensure a good outcome. Here are a few useful tips to recover from this surgery.

Avoid Driving

After your cataract surgery, you will not be allowed to drive for at least 24 hours. Arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home after your procedure. When you go to your follow-up appointment the next day, your surgeon will test your vision and determine when it is safe for you to drive again. If you have to avoid driving for a while, you should arrange transportation with someone you know.

Do Not Partake in Strenuous Activities

It is a good idea to avoid strenuous activities, like heavy lifting, for at least a couple of weeks after your cataract surgery. Too much vigorous activity can increase pressure in your eyes, which can negatively affect your incision. 

Be Cautious With Water

Since water can increase the risk of eye infection and irritation, you should not shower for at least a day after your cataract surgery. When you get in the shower, don't let the water hit your eyes directly. You likely will not be permitted to go in swimming pools or hot tubs for at least a few weeks.

Do Not Rub Your Eyes

Your eyes may itch after undergoing cataract surgery, so you may be tempted to rub them. However, you should avoid doing this. Rubbing your eyes can increase the risk of infection and prolong the healing process.

Keep the Affected Eye Covered

To prevent irritants, like wind and dust, from getting into your affected eye, your surgeon may recommend wearing an eye patch for the first week. When you go out, you will have to get used to seeing out of just one eye. It may be helpful to bring a family member or friend along with you for assistance.

Take Your Eye Drops

Your surgeon will prescribe you eye drops to take after your cataract surgery. Remember to take them on schedule to avoid infection and ensure a smooth recovery.

If you follow these helpful tips, you should recover from your cataract surgery just fine. If you experience vomiting, eye pain, or vision loss after your procedure, you should contact your surgeon as soon as possible.

For more information about cataract surgery, talk to an eye doctor.


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