Caring For Your Eyes After Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are a common consequence of aging that causes an eye's lens to become cloudy, affecting vision. The surgery to remove them involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one. It typically takes less than an hour and the patient usually returns home the same day. Although complications of cataract surgery are rare, there are some precautions you should take to ensure a smooth recovery.

When You Go Home

Your optometrist or other eye care specialist will send you home with eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation, as well as medication to control pressure within your eye. You won't be able to drive for several weeks, so you'll need someone to drive you home from the eye clinic. You'll also be provided with an eye shield to protect your eye when you sleep and to keep you from rubbing your eyes. You should be able to watch television or look at your computer screen when you get home, but your vision may be blurry for a day or two.

Precautions Going Forward

Within two or three days, you will likely feel like you're getting back to normal. However, even though you are feeling better, there are still guidelines you should follow to allow your eye to heal properly.

• Your eye will feel irritated, as though you have a dust particle in it. Avoid rubbing your eyes for several weeks.
• You might have trouble judging distances, so don't drive until your eye doctor says it's okay. Also, be careful going up and down stairs or pouring hot liquids.
• Avoid bending over, which puts pressure on your eyes. Also avoid jogging, biking, aerobics, strenuous house cleaning, or other similar activities.
• You can bathe or shower, but be careful not to get soap or shampoo in your eye as it heals.
• Don't wear eye makeup for one to two weeks or according to your doctor's instructions.
• Your eye will likely be photosensitive for a while after your surgery. Wear sunglasses when outside. The wraparound type will also help protect your eye from dust and foreign particles.
• Don't dye or perm your hair for a while after surgery. Also, be careful not to get hairspray in your eye.
• Avoid swimming and hot tub soaks until your eye doctor says it's safe.

It's important to follow your eye specialist's instructions and notify them of any adverse reactions, such as vision loss, nausea, eye floaters, or pain in your eyes. If you take these precautions and follow your doctor's instructions, you will be seeing clearly in just a few weeks after cataracts surgery.