Getting cataract surgery is something you want to do as soon as possible. In the days following your surgery, you will have to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle. You will need to take care of your eyes, and you will not be able to wear makeup for a while. Below are some things you can do to make your life easier.
Avoid strenuous activities
During the first week after cataract surgery, patients should avoid strenuous activities. This is to minimize complications. In addition, performing strenuous activities puts extra pressure on the eye, which can interfere with the healing process. If you need help with when to resume exercising, ask your doctor.
Light aerobic activities are generally OK to resume within the first week after surgery. But you should avoid activities that require bending over or placing your head below your waist. Activities that require you to lift a heavy object, such as a box or bag, increase the risk of complications.
You should also avoid swimming. Swimming in pools may lead to complications such as infection. It is best to avoid these activities for up to two months after your surgery.
Avoiding strenuous activities will also allow your eyes to heal. See your doctor if you're interested in learning more about how to heal your eyes after cataract surgery. They can provide advice and recommendations tailored to your situation.
Some studies have shown that lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds put more pressure on your eye. This pressure can sometimes lead to complications, such as glaucoma. To avoid this, avoid lifting heavy objects for at least two weeks after surgery.
In addition, you should avoid activities that require you to bend from the waist. This can place pressure on the incisions in your eye. This can increase the risk of complications, including blindness.
During the first week after cataract surgery, you should avoid using makeup. This is because it can irritate the eye and introduce bacteria. You should also avoid wearing sunscreen.
Shower and take a bath
Protecting your eyes from injury and infection during the first week after surgery is essential. This includes not rubbing your eyes, bending over, or lifting heavy weights.
You should also wear eye drops to help prevent infection. It would help if you also washed your hands before applying eye medications.
Your doctor will determine when you can shower and take a bath. This decision depends on your surgery and how your incision is closed. If you have a stapled wound, you must wait until the staples have been removed.
Incisions closed with sutures should be covered to prevent water exposure. You may need to take a sponge bath until you can shower.
When bathing, use a handheld shower direct away from the incision. Water from a faucet could be contaminated. Chlorine can also be dangerous for your eyes. It would help if you also used a towel to remove moisture from your eyes.
It would help if you also avoid swimming and hot tubs. Your new lenses could shift if you get too wet. You should also wear sunglasses outside. This helps protect your eyes from UV damage.
Your doctor may also recommend wearing a protective eye shield while sleeping. It is essential to wear protection for the first few weeks after surgery. It would help if you also used eye drops to reduce inflammation and scratchiness.
You may need to wait up to two weeks before you can take a bath. You may also want to avoid hot tubs and saunas. It would help if you also avoided swimming, bending over, and lifting heavy weights.
Following your doctor's instructions is the best way to care for your eyes after surgery. Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms, such as itching, swelling, or drainage. It would help if you also avoid strenuous activities for at least a month.
Avoid eye infections
Whether you are considering cataract surgery or have recently had it, avoiding eye infections is essential. These infections can lead to vision loss and blindness. A timely diagnosis and treatment can save your sight.
The risk of infection is reduced by using protective eyewear, washing your hands, and not rubbing the eye. In addition, you should avoid contact with people with infectious eye conditions.
It is important to remember that while it is rare, it is still a complication that needs to be monitored. You should also follow the aftercare instructions given to you by the surgical team.
It is essential to use eye drops as prescribed by the doctor. You can also take antifungal medication. Antibiotics can also be injected into the eye. This is more effective than using eye drops.
After surgery, you should wear a facemask. This must cover your nose and chin. Avoid using your face lotion or makeup, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Your eye doctor can also monitor your progress. If you have symptoms of inflammation or pain, you may have to come back for a follow-up appointment. It is best to contact your eye doctor immediately.
Your doctor may recommend a course of antibiotic drops, and you should use them as prescribed. Usually, symptoms begin to improve within a few days. However, you may need to use oral antibiotics if you have severe symptoms.
Your doctor may also recommend intravenous antibiotics, oral antifungal drugs, or topical antibiotics. These treatments can be given intravenously or applied directly to the eye.
You can also avoid infection by washing your hands regularly and using clean handkerchiefs. It is also a good idea to wear glasses to reduce disease risk.
Wash your treated eye
Using proper post-operative care is essential in the recovery process. Many things can affect your eyes during the healing process. If you experience any pain or discomfort, you should report it immediately to your eye doctor.
Immediately after surgery, you should avoid activities that pressure the eye. This could cause a self-sealing wound to form in your cornea. In addition, you can wear eye goggles during the day to protect your vision.
Your eye doctor will provide specific instructions on properly caring for your eye after cataract surgery. These instructions will help you recover promptly.
It will help if you avoid strenuous activities, swimming, hot tubs, and lifting heavy weights during the first few days after surgery. You should also avoid driving for the first few days. Having a friend or family member go home from the hospital is also a good idea.
It is also a good idea to use an eye shield. This will help to protect your eye while showering or washing your hair.
You should also avoid getting water in your eye during the first two weeks after surgery. If you have to drink water, you should use a plastic cup to cover your eye. You should also wear sunglasses on sunny days.
You should also avoid using lotions or soap on your eye for the first few days. After that, if you are experiencing discomfort, you should use Tylenol every four hours.
You can resume normal activities after two weeks. However, it would help if you avoid activities that may put additional pressure on your eye, such as swimming. You should also wear sunglasses for up to a year after surgery.
