Follow These Tips for a Safe Recovery from Cataract Surgeryin Boston, MA
Cataract surgery is one of the most common medical procedures in the country. Almost everyone will get cataracts at some point if they live long enough, as the clouding of the eye’s lens is a natural part of aging.
Cataract surgery is the only way to restore vision and effectively treat cataracts. While cataract surgery is low-risk, the best way to lower your risk of complications is caring for your eyes effectively during recovery.
Keep reading for some tips on how to have an optimum recovery from cataract surgery!
Avoid Strenuous Activity
You will need to avoid exercise and other strenuous activities for the first few weeks after surgery. This includes things like heavy lifting.
Being too active while you’re healing puts you at unnecessary risk for injury and complications. Recovering from cataract surgery is the perfect time to take it easy and relax.
Don’t Drive
You won’t be able to drive yourself home after having cataract surgery. You must have someone on hand to drive you to and from the surgery center.
But you also shouldn’t drive at all after cataract surgery until your doctor has cleared you. Often, this is during your post-operative check-in the day following the procedure.
Your doctor will evaluate your vision and let you know whether you should expect to need a visual aid to drive, or if you need to wait longer prior to operating a vehicle.
Get Help if You Need It
Avoiding strenuous activity and driving can be difficult if you’re on your own. If you live alone, it may be a good idea to have a friend or relative available to help out around the house.
This can be for simple tasks like picking up food and medication or to drive you to doctor’s appointments. It’s best to ask for help if you need it rather than be too active while you’re still healing.
Stay on Top of Taking Your Medication
Your eye doctor will give you prescriptions to take in the weeks following surgery, which help aid the eye in healing and reduce discomfort. Medications prescribed following cataract surgery are primarily in the form of eye drops. Be sure to take your medication as instructed and don’t miss any doses.
Failing to take them can raise your risk of infection and other complications. Be sure to keep track of all your medications and set an alarm if it helps you remember to take them.
Keep Your Eyes Clean
While your eyes are healing, it’s necessary to keep them free and clear from any contaminants. This doesn’t only mean dust and grime.
You also need to keep any water out of your eyes, even clean water. Water is the perfect place for bacteria to breed and grow. After cataract surgery, your eyes are more susceptible to infections.
Avoid taking showers, or when you do shower, make sure the showerhead is pointed away from your face. Also, be sure to wear proper eye protection when outdoors.
When you go outside, always wear sunglasses as your eyes will be especially sensitive to UV light. Even if it’s only cloudy outside, the sun’s UV rays can still affect your eyes. Wearing sunglasses can also help protect your eyes from any particles or dust that may be in the air.
Wondering if it’s time for you to get cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract screening with the expert doctors at The Nielsen Eye Center in greater Boston!
Experiencing vision changes because of cataracts can be frustrating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact the Nielsen Eye Center 617-471-5665 and ask for a Patient Advocate to schedule your screening today!
