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Cataract Surgery Recovery: Tips You Need To Know

Cataract surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure. Patients are able to receive the operation and return home the same day. However, as with all surgical procedures, there may be some side effects experienced. More often than not, recovery goes smoothly. The bulk number of patients who undergo this type of surgery enjoy sharper vision. However, after the procedure, there are a few things you need to know to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

After any surgical procedure, it is important to not participate in your day-to-day activities until you have fully recovered. This is particularly true if you normally partake in strenuous activities like moving furniture, lifting boxes, etc. These types of activities can cause strain on your body, especially your eyes, and should be avoided after your cataract surgery. When you have a difficult task that needs to be done in or out of the house, recruit a family member, friend, or coworker to do it for you until you have fully recovered.

Avoid Driving

You should avoid getting behind the wheel of your vehicle on the day of your cataract surgery, as well as several days afterward. Therefore, you will want to ensure that you have someone to drive you to and from the surgical procedure. This will ensure that you allow your eyes plenty of time to rest and to heal properly.

Take Caution While Recovering

When you are away from the home, it is important that you take caution with your eyes. Your eyes are healing, which means your vision could be impacted. Generally, the eye in question will need to remain covered for a minimum of one week, which means you will be going around with vision out of only one eye. When you leave the house, you may want to have someone with you to have an extra pair of eyes. You will also want to avoid exposing your eye to dust, wind, and other irritants for a few weeks after the surgery. In fact, it is recommended to clean your home thoroughly before the day of the surgery, as this will remove any dust and contaminants in the home.

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

While it may be incredibly tempting to do so, you will want to avoid rubbing your eyes after the surgery. If you do so, you may significantly impact the healing of the eye. To avoid any potential infection or complications after the surgery, do your best to leave your eyes alone while they are healing.

For more information on how to improve your recovery after cataract surgery, speak to your eye doctor or surgeon.


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