6 Do’s And Don’ts For Recovering After Cataract Surgeryin Boston, MA

Cataract surgery can be a life-changing procedure for those who suffer from cataracts, giving them a chance to see clearly once more. The procedure is fairly simple and not highly intrusive, but it’s important that after surgery you allow your eyes recovery time. It’s also important to care for them properly during that recovery time. Keep these do’s and don’ts of recovering from cataract surgery in Boston in mind!

Do: Use Prescribed Eye Drops

After surgery, your doctor at The Nielsen Eye Center will prescribe eye drops to keep your eye from getting infected while the incision heals. It’s important to apply these eye drops as frequently as your doctor instructs you to, and not to forget. Set an alarm to remind you if you need to. Making sure your eyes don’t get infected will save you a great deal of potential discomfort.

Don’t: Perform Any Strenuous Activity

For a while after surgery, you should stick to light activity. Your doctor will tell you and follow up with you on when you can return to regular exercise. Until then, keep activities light or as sedentary as possible. This may be hard, and it’s normal to be restless, but you’ll be much happier when your eyes are fully healed and you can get back to your regular activities after proper recovery.

Do: Protect Your Eyes With Sunglasses

While your eyes are healing, it’s important to keep them from getting damaged by dangerous UV rays. It’s also important not to get them infected, so make sure whenever you go outside you wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of all UV rays. Your eyes will be more sensitive after cataract surgery, at least during your recovery period.

Don’t: Expose Your Eyes To Water

When you shower, be sure to keep your eyes out of the direct shower spray. It may be best to stick to baths while you are recovering. Getting water in your eye could get dirt and debris from near your eye or in the water into your healing incisions, which will lead to infection. To be safe, make sure to keep your eyes away from the faucet or handles in your shower.

Do: Check If You’ll Need Reading Or Full-Time Glasses

After cataract surgery, some people may require reading glasses, especially if they don’t get an IOL (intraocular lens). Some people may need full-time glasses. It’s important to follow-up with your doctor while you recover to talk about what’s right for you. Be honest about your needs and don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re having more trouble seeing up close or far away than you used to. Cataract surgery will allow you to see again, but you still may need some assistance, and that is perfectly normal.

Don’t: Participate In Activities That Involve Dust Or Contaminants

Because you don’t want your eyes to get infected, you should avoid all activities that create dust like woodworking. You should also avoid any kinds of chemicals near your eyes, and always be sure to wear proper eye protection when you go outside, both to shield against the sun and debris.

Think you need cataract surgery? Contact The Nielsen Eye Center today to schedule a consultation in Boston or at one of our locations!