Cataract surgery is a minor procedure that most people recover from relatively quickly, but it is common to have some discomfort for a little while after the procedure. Here are a few tips to make your recovery from cataract surgery as comfortable and problem-free as possible.
1. Organize a Pick-Up From the Clinic
Some people find that cataract surgery immediately clears their vision, but it is also very common for vision to be blurry for a while. You might feel disoriented as the brain gets used to being able to see without the cataract. For these reasons, it is a good idea to get a friend or relative to pick you up after cataract surgery. Do not attempt to drive yourself home.
2. Don't Touch Your Eyes
Rubbing or pressing on your eyes can damage them at any time. After cataract surgery, your eyes are even more delicate than usual, so it is important to keep your hands away from them as much as possible. Even touching your eyes gently can introduce bacteria into them, which is not a good idea following surgery due to the risk of infection.
3. Stay Out of Pools or Hot Tubs
Staying away from pools and hot tubs is another good way to reduce your infection risk while your eyes are recovering from cataract surgery. Not only are shared pools a source of bacteria, but the water also contains chlorine which can irritate sensitive eyes. You can bathe or shower as normal as tap water does not have such high chlorine levels, but try not to get too much water in your eyes.
4. Keep Exercise Light
Once any sedatives that you were given for your cataract surgery have worn off, it is fine to do light exercise. For example, you could go for a walk or do some gentle yoga. Try to avoid vigorous exercise until your doctor lets you know that your eye has fully healed. Lifting heavy weights, for example, could cause an ocular blood vessel to rupture, which could interfere with the healing process.
5. Try Not to Sneeze
Sneezing puts a lot of strain on the eyes, which can be problematic when they are still healing. If you suffer from allergies or hayfever, try to stay away from substances that you know are likely to trigger sneezing. If you feel a sneeze coming on, shut your eyes and pinch your nose closed with your fingers to reduce its force.
Share21 October 2019
Yo! Welcome to my blog. The most important thing you have in life is your health. You can have a big car and a nice house and a great career but without your health, all of this is worth nothing at all. I didn't realise this until my dad became unwell and a man who seemed like a giant among the men of this world was suddenly stuck in a hospital bed. I nursed my dad and supported him throughout his recovery. During this time, I learnt a lot about the health and medical world. I hope you like this blog.