Post Cataract Surgery Care: Dos and Don’ts

Post cataract surgery care is an important part of protecting your vision and supporting proper healing. While this outpatient procedure is common and safe, you can reduce the risk of complications and discomfort by following clear post cataract surgery instructions. Knowing what to do and what to avoid after surgery allows your eye to heal as intended and helps you achieve the best vision possible.

The post cataract surgery period typically involves a few days of rest and several weeks of mindful care. Your doctor will provide personalized guidance, but the general dos and don’ts below outline essential post cataract surgery care steps most patients are advised to follow during recovery.

Compared with other surgical procedures, this operation has a relatively short recovery time. However, proper post cataract surgery care still includes taking one to three days off of work to allow time for rest.

You’ll probably be able to resume most of your normal activities within the first couple of days, but it’s a good idea to take it somewhat easy for a little while. Your eye will not be completely healed for about a month.

You may notice an improvement in your vision immediately after the procedure. However, your vision may be blurry for a little while, and you can’t drive yourself home. Plan ahead so a friend or family member can drive you home. This is a preferable option to a taxi or rideshare because you may need assistance getting inside and settled, which is an important part of the post cataract surgery care process.

You may feel exhausted immediately after the surgery, and this is perfectly normal. Sleeping is important to the healing process and plays a key role in post cataract surgery care. You should sleep as much as you deem necessary. However, you’ll need to be careful not to bump or rub your eyes while you sleep.

When you wash your face, use a washcloth instead of splashing water onto your face. While your eyes are healing, they’re susceptible to infection, and water can contain harmful bacteria. Don’t swim or use a hot tub for at least a month, and keep the water out of your face when you shower.

A healthy diet is always a wise choice, but it’s especially important when you’re healing. Skip the junk food in favor of food that’s good for your overall health, such as leafy greens and lean protein. Supporting your body with proper nutrition is an often-overlooked component of post cataract surgery care.

The incision made in your cornea is self-healing, and it’s vulnerable in the early stages of post cataract surgery care. Bending and lifting can apply pressure to the eyes, which may cause the incision to reopen.

These personalized post cataract surgery instructions are designed to support healing and help you achieve the best possible outcome. Use your prescribed eye drops for as long as you’re instructed to do so, and don’t miss any follow-up appointments.

In addition to the dos and don’ts above, these general post cataract surgery care precautions are commonly recommended:
Don’t drive the first day after the procedure.
Don’t rub your eyes.
Don’t wear eye makeup, and go easy on face cream or lotion.
Don’t go out when there are high levels of wind, dust, or pollen.
Wear sunglasses outdoors for a year after surgery.

Following proper post cataract surgery instructions helps protect your eye as it heals and helps you achieve the best vision possible. While recovery looks a little different for everyone, consistent post cataract surgery care allows patients to enjoy clearer, sharper vision than they had before the procedure. Contact Snead Eye Group if you have any specific questions about your post-op care instructions.