Essential Dos And Don'ts For Patients To Follow After A Cataract Surgery

Though cataract surgery is a common procedure, there are some dos and don'ts that one must follow as part of postoperative care, for the sake of their eyes and to recover fast and fully.

What patients opting for cataract surgery must know: Cataract surgery is a common procedure that many people have to undergo at some point in their lives, especially in old age. A safe operation, cataract surgery can improve your vision and overall quality of life. While the recovery process is uncomplicated, it is critical to follow some dos and don'ts for a smooth and effective healing. According to Dr Archana S, regional head, clinical services at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bangalore, it is normal to experience grittiness, watering of eyes, a red or bloodshot eye. The side effects usually improve within a few days. But, one must always be careful and contact their eye surgery department as soon as possible if they experience increased pain and/or redness, or a decreased vision. Read on to know more about some dos and don'ts to absolutely follow.

Dos And Don'ts After Cataract Surgery

For the first few weeks after the surgery, this is what the doctor recommends:

DOs

1. Use your eye drops as instructed.
2. Take it easy for two to three days.
3. Take painkillers if you need to.
4. Bathe or shower yourself as usual.
5. Read, watch TV and use a computer.
6. Protect your eyes with glasses or sunglasses outdoors.
7. Avoid swimming for four to six weeks.

DON'Ts

1. Do not rub your eyes.
2. Do not allow soap or shampoo to get into your eye.
3. Do not drive until you get the 'all clear' from your doctor
4. Do not do any strenuous exercise or housework.
5. Do not wear eye make-up for at least four weeks.
6. Do not fly without seeking advice from your doctor.

"If you work, how soon you can return to your office largely depends on the nature and type of your job," Dr Archana says.

How To Apply Eye Drops

Do the follow things chronologically:

1. First wash your hands.
2. Tilt your head back.
3. Look up at the ceiling.
4. Gently pull down the lower eyelid.
5. Squeeze the bottle until a drop goes into your eye.
6. Close your eyes and wipe away any excess liquid.
7. Do not let the bottle touch the eye.
8. Safely dispose of the drops once you have finished your treatment course.

How To Clean Your Eye

• Boil some water and allow it to cool.
• Wash your hands.
• Dip cotton wool or clean gauze in the cool boiled water.
• Gently wipe from the inside (near your nose) to the outside corner of your eye.
• Do not wipe the inside of your eye.
• Do not wash your eyes with water.
• Do not press your eyes.

"During the first two weeks, you may need to clean your eye twice a day, because the drops and the healing process can cause slight stickiness," the doctor concludes.