No one can be certain what the consequences of bending over after cataract surgery may be. As a general rule, I advise my patients to avoid any strenuous activity or excessive flexing for the first week after the procedure. This includes activities such as putting on pants or shoes, which may require some bending. In most cases, patients who have undergone uncomplicated cataract surgery can bend down after a day or two without any issues.
However, if retinal surgery is involved, a gas bubble may have been inserted. In this case, it is important to avoid any unnecessary movement, especially if it could interfere with the healing process. It is best to wait at least two weeks before bending down after cataract surgery. Squatting down can put pressure on the eye and lead to complications. Immediately after the procedure, it is best to avoid bending over as this increases the pressure on the eyes.
Bending down can also cause a rush of blood to the head which can interfere with eye recovery. If you need to pick something up, ask a friend for help or keep your head up while squatting. Recovering from cataract surgery is usually straightforward but following these tips can help minimize potential risks: do not drive right after cataract surgery as your vision may be blurry and you may feel an imbalance between your eyes; delay cataract surgery if you have an allergy or cold to reduce the risk of postoperative eye infection; wear a clear protector at night for a week after cataract surgery to prevent rubbing your eyes while sleeping; and arrange for someone else to drive you back and forth from the cataract surgery center.
