Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and safest surgical procedures in the United States. However, it is important to take certain precautions during the first week of recovery to ensure a successful outcome. Do not drive the first day after surgery and avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous activities for a few weeks. Swimming should be avoided for at least a month after cataract surgery.
You will be provided with a protective eye shield that must be worn during sleep (including naps) for at least the first week. To reduce the risk of infection, avoid swimming or using a hot tub during the first week of recovery. Additionally, do not lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds during this time. It is also important to attend all recommended follow-up visits with your eye doctor.
You may experience red, blood-injected eyes due to temporary damage to the blood vessels in the white part of the eye (sclera) during cataract surgery. High intraocular pressure is another common complication in patients who undergo cataract surgery. If you want your recovery to be as successful as possible, you should avoid any strenuous activity. If bacteria enter the eye while it is still healing, it could cause an infection. If you are considering cataract surgery for yourself or a loved one, contact Heart of Texas Eye Care for a free consultation.
If both eyes need cataract surgery, the surgeon will generally wait at least a few days to two weeks for the first eye to recover before performing a procedure on the second eye. Less than 2% of eyes that undergo cataract surgery have complications that endanger their vision after the procedure. However, by following these postoperative instructions and taking precautions during recovery, you can be well on your way to a better lifestyle with improved visual clarity.
