Your First Week After Cataract Surgeryin Boston, MA

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, which results in vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK (corneal refractive surgery). Most cataracts are age-related, resulting in many Americans hearing “You have cataracts” from their eye doctor around the age of 50, although it’s something to keep an eye on — pun intended — from the age of 40 and up.

While cataracts can sound scary, you can rest assured knowing that cataract surgery usually restores vision lost, and may even reduce your dependence on eyeglasses as well. The surgery itself calls for the replacement of the affected lens with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure takes about 5 minutes total and is most often performed on an outpatient basis. What happens after? How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery at The Nielsen Eye Center? All in all, your recovery time will take about a full month. Read on to find out more about cataract surgery!

 

1. Get Someone To Drive You Home

Do not attempt to drive until you have had your vision tested by your eye doctor the day after surgery. At this point, they will declare you legally able to get behind the wheel of a car.

2. Special Sunglasses

Post-op, you’ll be required to wear a special pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight and other bright lights as your eyes recover from cataract surgery.

 

3. It’s Not Uncommon To Experience These Symptoms

As your eyes heal from cataract surgery, it’s not uncommon to experience redness or blurred vision for the first few days, or possibly even up to the first few weeks, after surgery.

4. Your First Week Or Two Of Recovery

During your first week or so of recovery, it is essential to avoid

• Strenuous activity
• Heavy Lifting (no more than 25 pounds
• Bending or exercising that could cause stress to your eyes during the initial recovery period
• Any water being splashed into your eye, as this can result in an infection (make sure to keep your eyes closed while bathing or showering
• No swimming pools or hot tubs for at least two weeks
• Any activity that can lead to getting dust, grime, or other irritants in your eye.

You may receive more directions based on your specific circumstances and vision outcome, so be sure to speak with your doctor to learn if they have any other directives for you to follow after your procedure.

Ready to schedule your cataract surgery? Contact The Nielsen Eye Center for your consultation today!