What are the Precautions after Cataract Surgery

Q: Do's and Don’ts or precautions after cataract surgery

Don’ts: \n Do not rub your eye with your hands. This can dislodge the stitches if any have been used or impair the healing process after stitch-less surgery. Also, it can cause eye infections. If your eye waters or itches, you can wipe it gently with a clean tissue or a sterile, moist cotton swab. \n Do not have a shower bath for the first 10 days after surgery. You can take a bath below the chin only and use a wet towel to wipe your face. \n Eye washing with normal water is not allowed for 10 days. \n Do not indulge in activities that might cause damage to your eyes. Do not play with children or engage in contact sports or activities like swimming for a month to avoid any chances of infections or injuries. \n Do not lift heavy weights. If possible, avoid deep and straining cough, sneezing and straining hard for stools for a month. These activities might increase the pressure in your eyes. \n \n Do’s: \n \n You may begin shaving after the 3rd day after your cataract operation. \n You can resume activities like watching TV or shopping after 2-3 days of surgery. You may resume all your routine household activities after a week. \n Do instill eye drops regularly, as advised by your eye doctor. \n Do wash your hands with soap and water before you apply any eye medications. \n Do wear a protective eye cap at night for a week. \n Do clean your eyes with clean boiled water using cotton, 2-3 times a day. \n Do contact your eye surgeon immediately if there is any problem.

We all have someone in our family – parents, grandparents, uncles or aunts who have to undergo cataract surgery at some point or the other. When you or a loved one are handed a diagnosis of cataract and are advised to undergo cataract surgery, the very thought can give rise to a lot of questions, anxieties and fears. One major cause of apprehension is – What will happen during the cataract operation? What can one expect after the cataract surgery? Just knowing what will happen and what we are expected to do, can ease a lot of our anxieties.

Cataract surgery involves removing the natural eye lens which has opacified and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract operation is usually performed by Phacoemulsification. Newer stitch-less cataract surgeries called MICS (minimal incision cataract surgery) help for a faster and gentler recovery. Nonetheless, cataract surgery requires some precautions after the surgery.

Do’s and Don’ts or precautions after cataract surgery

What Don’ts After Cataract Surgery

Do not rub your eye with your hands. This can dislodge the stitches if any have been used or impair the healing process after stitch-less surgery. Also, it can cause eye infections. If your eye waters or itches, you can wipe it gently with a clean tissue or a sterile, moist cotton swab.
Do not have a shower bath for the first 10 days after surgery. You can take a bath below the chin only and use a wet towel to wipe your face.
Eye washing with normal water is not allowed for 10 days.
Do not indulge in activities that might cause damage to your eyes. Do not play with children or engage in contact sports or activities like swimming for a month to avoid any chances of infections or injuries.
Do not lift heavy weights. If possible, avoid deep and straining cough, sneezing and straining hard for stools for a month. These activities might increase the pressure in your eyes.

What Do’s After Cataract Surgery

You may begin shaving after the 3rd day after your cataract operation.
You can resume activities like watching TV or shopping after 2-3 days of surgery. You may resume all your routine household activities after a week.
Do instill eye drops regularly, as advised by your eye doctor.
Do wash your hands with soap and water before you apply any eye medications.
Do wear a protective eye cap at night for a week.
Do clean your eyes with clean boiled water using cotton, 2-3 times a day.
Do contact your eye surgeon immediately if there is any problem.

FAQ

When can I do housework after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, you can generally resume light housework, such as washing dishes, within a week or so, depending on your comfort level. However, it is important to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activities for at least 4-6 weeks to ensure proper healing and to avoid putting pressure on the operated eye.

What is the most common complication of cataract surgery?

The most common complication after cataract surgery is posterior capsule opacification (PCO), also known as a secondary cataract. This occurs when the membrane behind the artificial lens becomes cloudy over time, causing blurred vision. It can be easily treated with a painless laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.

Is it okay to watch TV after cataract surgery?

Yes, you can watch TV after cataract surgery, but it is advisable to take frequent breaks to avoid eye strain. Ensure that your eyes do not feel too dry, and avoid watching for extended periods during the initial recovery phase to reduce discomfort.

How many years is cataract surgery good for?

Cataract surgery is a permanent solution for removing the cloudy natural lens, and the artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implanted during surgery does not wear out. However, some patients may develop posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which can be treated to restore vision. Overall, the results of cataract surgery typically last a lifetime.

Can I eat rice after cataract surgery?

Yes, you can eat rice after cataract surgery. There are no specific dietary restrictions post-surgery, but it is advisable to maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients to promote healing. Including foods high in vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids, can support eye health during recovery.

Can I sneeze after cataract surgery?

Sneezing is generally fine after cataract surgery, but it is crucial to avoid sneezing forcefully as it can increase pressure in the eye. If you feel the urge to sneeze, try to keep your mouth open to reduce pressure and consult your doctor if you have frequent sneezing fits.

What is normal eye pressure after cataract surgery?

Normal intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract surgery ranges between 10 and 21 mmHg. It is common for the pressure to fluctuate slightly in the days following surgery. Regular follow-ups with your doctor are important to monitor eye pressure and ensure there are no complications such as increased IOP or glaucoma.

Precautions after Cataract Surgery