Limit Strenuous Activity Avoid rigorous exercise and activities that require heavy lifting for a couple of weeks to lower the chances of increasing your eye pressure. “High eye pressure can interfere with the incision before it fully heals,” says Eghrari.
Though it may be quite tempting, don't try to lift anything that's over 10 pounds in the first week after cataract surgery. If you consider yourself a weight lifter, avoid this exercise for at least 5 weeks to be safe. Ask your eye doctor to confirm when it's safe to lift weights again after cataract surgery.
If you need to pick something up, ask a friend or keep your head upright squat down without lowering your head. Avoid swimming or use of hot tub for at least the first week to avoid infection.
It is generally recommended to avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects for the first 24 hours to a week (prolonged bending) after cataract surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
You should also avoid lifting anything that weighs more than 5 to 10 pounds. Because heavy lifting and other strenuous activities involve a temporary increase in blood pressure, these actions put particular pressure on your eyes.
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.
take it easy for the first 2 to 3 days. use your eye shield at night for at least a week. take painkillers if you need to. bathe or shower yourself as usual.
Since increased eye pressure can lead to glaucoma – which can cause blindness if left untreated – it is important to regulate eye pressure in the days and weeks following cataract surgery. Strenuous activity can lead to raised eye pressure, so patients should limit exercise after cataract surgery.
Things to avoid
Avoid bending over for the first 48 hours after the surgery, as this can cause pressure to build up in the eyes and interfere with healing.
“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.”
Additionally, try not to do any housework or cooking after cataract surgery for the first two weeks.
On days one to 14 post op you must avoid dusty environments, not go swimming and not lift heavy objects or strain or do heavy exercise. You are certainly advised not to drive for the first few days until you are adjusted to your new vision, and you know that you can see the number plate at the required distance.
Cataract surgery and sunglasses
Either way, the surgery has still left your retina vulnerable, and even if you have an IOL with that UV coating, you're still at risk to eye damage due to UV rays. You could even cause your cataracts to return as UV rays are one of the leading causes of cataracts.
After cataract surgery, your eyes are more susceptible to infection and complications. Swimming is a bad idea because water is a place where bacteria can grow. Since your eyes aren't at their best, you're more likely to get an infection from the water.
Weightlifting can cause temporary but significant increases in eye pressure also known as intraocular pressure.
How long before you can sleep on your side after cataract surgery? People should try to avoid sleeping on the same side of the operated eye for 1 week. However, if they wear a protective shield securely overnight, their eye should have enough protection, even if they unintentionally end up sleeping on that side.
This can make it tempting to go right back to your normal level of activity. It is important to wait at least a week before doing strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting. Try not to lift anything heavier than 15 to 20 pounds, and keep your head above your waist. Avoid swimming or hot tubs for at least a couple weeks.
Do not get your hair coloured or permed for 10 days after surgery. Do not bend over or do any strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 2 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, gardening, and dusting for 1 to 2 weeks.
So, when can you start exercising again after cataract surgery? We recommend that you avoid any exercise for at least one week after cataract surgery. Any discomfort and tenderness from the surgery will settle within a few days and you can begin with some light to moderate exercise such as walking or stretching.
Use whatever glasses feel most comfortable, or none at all. Some patients ask their optician to remove the lens temporarily on the side that has had the surgery, but this may make the symptoms more noticeable. It is not usually worth updating glasses until after the second operation.
It's completely safe to fly after your cataract surgery, and it doesn't take long at all for your eyes to get back to normal. It is, however, recommended to avoid driving immediately after the operation since you may still be feeling some side effects.
Take Care of Laundry and Other Chores Ahead of Time
These activities can increase pressure in the eye, so it's best to avoid them.