Postoperative care plays a significant role in a successful cataract surgery recovery. By using the right approach, you can ensure the healing process goes as smoothly as possible. If you want to make sure that you’re on the best possible path, here are some postoperative care tips for a successful cataract surgery recovery.
Follow All Instructions from Your Eye Care Provider
Your eye care provider will provide you with postoperative care instructions, and it’s critical to follow them precisely. The guidelines are designed to ensure your safe and speedy recovery, including reducing your chances of various complications, such as infections.
Review the instructions with your eye care provider before your procedure, and ask questions if you need clarity. Additionally, reach out to your eye care provider if you need clarification as you recover, as they’ll be happy to assist.
Protect Your Eyes from Trauma and Irritants
After cataract surgery, some eye discomfort is expected. However, you want to make sure that you don’t rub your eyes, as that can cause damage. Additionally, you want to protect your eyes from irritants like dust and pollen.
Since light sensitivity can also come with cataract surgery, wearing wraparound sunglasses is wise. Along with reducing the amount of light that hits your eye, they can help shield your eyes from potential irritants.
Similarly, wear your eye shield while sleeping. That ensures you don’t accidentally rub your eyes in your sleep or when first waking, as well as prevents accidental contact with bedding.
Don’t Participate in Strenuous Activities
Strenuous activity can increase eye pressure, which can hinder your recovery after cataract surgery. As a result, it’s best to avoid heavy lifting, high-intensity workouts, or similar activities after the procedure.
Additionally, try to avoid bending down into positions where your head ends up lower than your waist. That can also increase eye pressure, so it’s better to find alternative body positions while you recover.
Avoid Direct Contact with Water
While good hygiene is critical after cataract surgery, water directly contacting your eyes can increase irritation and put you at risk of infection. Exercise caution when showering, ensuring water streams don’t hit your eyes. Additionally, avoid swimming and hot tubs.
Embrace General Health Best Practices
Many best practices for maintaining your health are also critical to a successful recovery from cataract surgery. Maintain a healthy diet, as nutritious foods and drinks ensure your body has the nutrients it needs. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
While you heal, you also want to avoid alcohol, as it can lead to dehydration and makes postoperative infections more likely. Similarly, don’t smoke, as smoking increases inflammation, heightens your risk of infection, damages blood vessels, and impairs oxygen delivery to your healing tissues.
At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’re experiencing cataract symptoms, are considering cataract surgery, or simply haven’t had an eye exam in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.
