Every year, an estimated three million Americans have cataract surgery as part of their eye care. Once a major operation, it is now a safe and nearly-painless outpatient procedure that results with better than a 99% success rate. In most cases, it won’t take more than a few hours.
However, there are still a few things that patients should keep in mind when looking at cataract surgery. Proper eye care over the next few days will ensure the surgery is a success.
Caring For Your Eyes After Cataract Surgery
1 – Find a ride home.
After cataract surgery, you’ll be woozy from the anesthesia, and your vision will be significantly impaired for a minimum of a day. Driving home safely in these circumstances is absolutely impossible, so you must have a ride.
2 – Use your prescriptions.
You’ll almost certainly be given eyedrops to keep your eyes hydrated, as well as some anti-inflammatants and antibiotics. As is always the case with prescriptions, follow the label and use the full course of medications to ensure there aren’t complications.
3 – Don’t rub.
For a few days, your eyes may be itchy, or even a bit painful. Please, remember that rubbing them is the worst thing you can do. Your eyedrops and some standard NSAID painkillers (like Advil or Aleve) should be all you need for any discomfort. Rubbing may damage your eyes, and increases chances of infection.
4 – Rest for a week.
It will take around a week for your eyes to heal enough to allow normal vision, although recovery times vary. If possible, have someone on-call who can help you around the house. During this time, avoid strenuous activity, especially heavy lifting.
Cataract surgery is now routine, and there’s nothing to fear from it. A little eye care afterwards will ensure your vision is quickly restored!
