Cataract surgery is a common procedure that can help restore your vision and improve your quality of life. However, it is important to take the necessary precautions after the surgery to ensure a successful recovery. To ensure a successful recovery, it is important to avoid any strenuous activity, swimming for at least one month, and lifting heavy objects for the first week after cataract surgery. It is recommended to wait at least one or two days after cataract surgery before returning to light activities such as walking, stretching, and activities that do not involve placing your head below the waist or doing high-intensity activities.
Weight exercises and squatting should be avoided for 1 to 2 weeks after cataract surgery. Additionally, warm compresses, eyelid scrubs, and other treatments used for blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and dry eye should be postponed until one week after cataract surgery. It is also important to avoid lifting objects that weigh more than 10 pounds for the first week after cataract surgery. Most doctors will recommend that you don't bend down at all until you have been allowed to do so.
High intraocular pressure is one of the most common complications in patients undergoing cataract surgery, so it is important to follow all of your doctor's instructions and wait long enough for your eyes and body to heal before you resume your normal activities. The pain and discomfort of cataract surgery usually go away within a few days after the outpatient procedure. You can usually return to activities such as walking, running, and cycling one week after cataract surgery. If you love swimming, this is something you shouldn't do for at least a month after cataract surgery.
This is because bacteria in your eye while it's still healing could cause an infection due to the increased sensitivity of your eye after the procedure. In patients who have cataracts in both eyes, what usually happens is that the cataract that causes the greatest loss of vision is removed first.
