Nifty Tips for Post-Cataract Surgery
Have you had cataract surgery? If so, you’ll want to make sure that you are taking care of your eyes. Many people don’t think about the aftercare for their eyes following surgery; they assume that everything will be fine on its own. However, if there is a complication from the surgery, it may have been prevented with proper care and attention.
Take a Painkiller
Take a painkiller to alleviate any discomfort after surgery. Most surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, which means you won’t have to stay overnight in the hospital or clinic. In these cases, your doctor will provide you with oral medication before and after the procedure and post-operative instructions for home care. If you have surgery performed under a general anesthetic, your doctor will prescribe a painkiller specifically for that circumstance. Do not drive yourself home after the procedure unless advised by your surgeon or clinic staff. You should plan on taking it easy and making sure someone is there to help you with any household chores if needed until you’re feeling back to normal.
Wear Glasses or Contacts
It’s important to wear glasses or contacts after cataract surgery. You should also avoid wearing goggles, safety eyewear with side protection, and masks not commercially made for the face—especially those used in sports like wrestling or martial arts. Do not go swimming right away unless your doctor says it is okay since water can get in your eyes during swimming and cause an infection. You should also avoid going underwater in a hot tub or bathtub for two weeks after surgery since this can increase the risk of infection. Do not rub your eye, especially with a towel or dirty hands that have touched other parts of your body before touching your eye.
Cleanse Your Eyelids Gently
Cleanse your eyelids gently with warm water and a washcloth to remove any residue left on your eyelids. After that, be sure not to rub or pull at your eyes too much as it can cause problems with swelling later on. Also, avoid using makeup or eye creams for at least 24 hours after surgery. This includes not using any products that contain anti-bacterial agents, as this can irritate your eyes even more. You may feel some discomfort or irritation that you can manage with over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen). If your eyes are red or painful, make sure to contact your surgeon right away. You’ll also want to stay away from too much sunlight, so wear sunglasses during the day for at least a few weeks after surgery. Your doctor will likely give you protective eye drops that can help with this as well.
Eat Healthy Foods
Post-surgery, your body is already going through many changes, and you need to do what you can to make sure it’s healthy. Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, lean meats (like fish), whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. These are nutrient-rich foods that help promote healing and provide your body with vitamins and minerals essential for good health. Be sure to drink plenty of water, too! It will keep you hydrated as well as flush out the toxins in your system. Limit caffeine intake after surgery because it’s a mild diuretic (it makes you urinate), making dehydration worse.
When you get cataract surgery, there’s a lot that can change your life. You may have to adjust your driving habits or learn how to use reading glasses again. The good news is that with the right tips and tricks, you won’t be struggling for long after this brief adjustment period. We hope you will find it easier to thrive with these four nifty tips for post-cataract surgery patients in mind!
