Cataract surgery boasts a very high success rate and is extremely safe. However, as with any procedure there are tips and guides to ensure proper healing and long-term results. In this article we’ll outline what you can do to ensure great results and stop thinking about cataract after operation because you’ll be living cataract free.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery: The First 24 Hours
Your cataract surgery will be a relatively quick procedure with most patients only experiencing light discomfort. Your surgeon will give you numbing drops, so you won’t feel a thing during the surgery. Post-cataract surgery, when the cloudy lenses have been removed and the artificial lens placed, you will be given eye covers to wear to protect your eyes.
Initially your vision may be blurry, and you may be extra sensitive to light. Sometimes patients report feeling like there is something in their eyes or a gritty sensation. A lot of patients note vision improvements right away, but it can take months before the full effects become obvious, so don’t get discouraged if you still have blurry vision right away.
The day following your surgery, you will return to the surgeon for a follow-up appointment, it is very important that you attend this appointment since your surgeon will check for infections and problems with the lenses, helping to correct issues before they become severe. You will be given clear instructions on how to care for your eyes, please follow them and continue all eye drops until directed otherwise. You may receive steroids, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics for your eyes.
It’s vital to remember that you have just undergone an invasive procedure, so it’s best to rest and keep your activities to a minimum.
How Long to Recover from Cataract Surgery?
Generally, most patients heal fast. However, it can take anywhere from four to eight weeks to achieve complete vision stabilization. Since cataract surgery is a low-risk, effective outpatient procedure, most patients do not suffer from any complications and enjoy better vision quickly. Some patients even select premium lenses to correct for refractive errors, giving them even better vision than before. No matter what, you can rest assured that your OCLI Vision surgeon will walk you through the procedure and ensure you are set up to recover quickly to achieve great vision results.
Essential Restrictions After Cataract Surgery
Even though cataract surgery is very effective and low risk, there are still restrictions that must be followed post-surgery. This is to protect your eyes and ensure the lens does not move or become infected.
- Do not bend over or tip your head upside down. During the first 48 hours after surgery, it’s important not to bend over to prevent your eyes from moving around too much or dislodging the lens.
- Driving after cataract surgery: If surgery was performed on only one eye, driving may be especially difficult, as some patients notice problems with their depth perception.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity: Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting to prevent undue eye pressure. That means no intense workouts, no cleaning, and no DIY projects around the house.
- Practice good hygiene but be careful of the eyes!
- Showering and washing hair after cataract surgery is just fine, but it is important to keep water and soap out of your eyes. Be gentle and make sure to go slowly to prevent issues.
- Keep your eyes covered at night to avoid scratching or bumping them in your sleep.
- Wash your face with a wash clothe or wipe for the first week or two following surgery so you do not get water in your eyes.
- Use proper eye protection: For the first couple of weeks following surgery, make sure to use sunglasses with proper UV protection when outside and safety goggles when playing sports, doing projects, or working in active industries such as construction or automotive.
- Don’t touch your eyes! Perhaps the most important rule following surgery is to not touch your eyes. Do not touch, rub, or scratch them as this can dislodge the lens, introduce bacteria, or cause other problems.
When to Call Your OCLI Vision Specialist
Any of the symptoms listed in this article are normal following cataract surgery. However, if the symptoms last for more than a few days, continue to worsen, or are unbearable, contact your surgeon right away. It’s important that you don’t wait, we want to fix the problem before it can cause permanent changes to your vision.
If you’re ready for cataract surgery, find a location near you today to schedule an appointment.