Don't drive immediately after surgery — After surgery, your eyes will feel strained and sensitive. While most patients can drive the day after their surgery, we advise that you avoid driving long distances for at least a week post-operation.
As a general rule, the minimum time before you can drive is around 24 hours. However, this will depend on several factors. After your surgery, your eye doctor will usually get you to come back the following day to examine your eyes post-surgery. At that point, they will typically instruct you on further care.
To stabilise completely, it can take 4 to 6 weeks, however, most people will find their vision has improved enough to drive safely much sooner than that.
You can read or watch TV right away, but things may look blurry. Most people are able to return to work or their normal routine in 1 to 3 days. After your eye heals, you may still need to wear glasses, especially for reading.
do not allow soap or shampoo to get into your eye. do not drive until you get the all-clear from your doctor. do not do any strenuous exercise or housework. do not wear eye make-up for at least 4 weeks.
“High eye pressure can interfere with the incision before it fully heals,” says Eghrari. “Positions that put your head below your waist, such as bending over, can also increase eye pressure and should be avoided initially after surgery.”
Washing Your Face and Hygiene after Cataract Surgery
You can resume activities such as washing your face the day after surgery, as long as you are careful to not touch the eye. You shouldn't splash water directly on your face and instead, use a washcloth to carefully clean.
Most doctors recommend wearing sunglasses after cataract surgery for at least a week—and many doctors recommend up to a year. The truth is wearing sunglasses is always a good idea whether you've had cataract surgery or not.
You could even cause your cataracts to return as UV rays are one of the leading causes of cataracts. That's why doctors recommend you wearing sunglasses outside for the first year after your surgery.
Water is one of the best things you can put into your body, especially while it's healing. After cataract surgery, your eyes may need a few days to get used to their new normal. They may even feel a little drier than you're used to. This is another way that drinking enough water is incredibly beneficial!
If you've recently had cataract surgery, you may be concerned about how this pressure could impact your eyes or your recovery from the procedure. Fortunately, there's no reason to worry about flying after cataract removal surgery.
After cataract surgery, a person should focus on eating a nutritious diet that promotes healing. Foods to avoid include refined carbohydrates, sugar, salt, and processed foods. People should also avoid tobacco and alcohol, which can slow healing and increase inflammation.
You will not harm your eyes by wearing your old glasses. However, you may prefer not wearing them since, in most cases, your vision will have improved after surgery, in particular your distance vision.
It's usually considered safe to wash your hair and shower/bathe as normal after you have cataract surgery. However, you should keep your eyes closed and avoid getting any water or shampoo in your eye, and it's advisable to use a mild or baby shampoo. You should also avoid rubbing your eye.
Resume your normal walking, climbing of stairs, avoid strenuous activity and no lifting greater than 20 pounds for the first 7-10 days. Resume any medication you were taking from other doctors as ordered when you get home.
Some known risks of cataract surgery include infection, eye floaters, scar tissue formation, inflammation, lens dislocation, glare, halos, droopy eyelid, high eye pressure, retinal tear, or retinal detachment.
Yes, after cataract surgery, you need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. After surgery, your eyes are healing and are more sensitive to the sun's rays than usual. Anytime you go outside, you need to wear sunglasses. Whether it's raining or sunny, the sun is giving off damaging UV rays.
You can take a shower or bath 24 hours after your surgery. Do not get water or soap in your eye. Keep your eye closed while you shower. Use a clean washcloth every time and normal tap water to clean secretions from your lashes or the corner of your eye.
For the first few days after your surgery, it's normal to have blurred or double vision and watery/gritty eyes. Your eyes may also look red or bloodshot. These side effects will normally subside within a few days, but it can take four-six weeks for your eye to fully heal.
Patients with a dislocated IOL may experience a decrease or change in vision, diplopia, and/or glare. Additionally, they may report ocular pain or headaches from intermittent angle-closure and/or inflammation. Some patients also report seeing the edge of the IOL.
You should not bend over after cataract surgery for at least 2 weeks. Bending over will place pressure on the eye and this may cause unnecessary complications to your eye. The main complication will be a delay in the healing process.
Don't: Eat or Drink Right Before the Surgery
While under sedation, there is a chance of stomach acid going into your lungs, which can cause damage. You will need to fast for about 12 hours before surgery to ensure you are safe from this effect.
Strenuous activity and exercise after cataract surgery
Most people can do very light exercise the day after surgery, including walking. For activities like biking, running, tennis, golf and sex, wait one week after your procedure.