5 Things To Avoid After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a very common and low-risk procedure that is typically performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you are responsible for following recovery procedures at home. Knowing what to avoid can help ensure that everything heals properly.

1. Eye Strain

Your eyes will need time to heal, so the last thing you want to do is cause additional strain. Avoid watching television or staring at a phone or computer screen immediately following the procedure. Your medical provider will provide you with the best guidelines, but generally, you should avoid activities that can cause eye strain on the first day and rest your eyes frequently when engaged in such activities in the days following the procedure. 

2. Outside Irritants

The most obvious outside irritant is your own hands. Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes and the area surrounding them for the first few days after surgery. Use care in the bath to avoid getting soap and shampoo in the eyes. You must also avoid wearing makeup, especially eye makeup, until your eyes have healed. Swimming is also best avoided, as irritants and bacteria in the water can lead to infections. 

3. Judging Distance

Depth perception will likely be inaccurate for at least the first day following cataract surgery, and it's normal for depth issues to persist for a couple of days after. Avoid driving completely on the day of surgery and plan to have someone give you a ride home from the procedure. You may also need to avoid driving, particularly at night, for a few days until your perception improves. Keep in mind depth perception can also affect other tasks, so use extra caution — especially when cooking or doing an activity that could cause an injury. 

4. Strenuous Activities

Exercise and other strenuous activities are a big mistake after cataract surgery, as this can slow healing or cause injury in the tender tissues during recovery. How long these activities should be avoided is best left to your doctor, but generally, you will need to take it easy for about a week. Instead of exercise, focus on healthy eating habits and slow stretches that won't cause stress to the body or eyes. 

5. Skipping Followup

Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to make sure your surgery was successful and that your eyes are healing properly. Do not skip these, even if you feel fine and your vision is improved. These appointments ensure there are no problems that need to be addressed, such as a failure to heal properly. Proper recovery monitoring is an integral part of cataract surgery.

Talk with your doctor if you have further recovery concerns following cataract surgery.