Are you or someone you know considering cataract surgery? Well, it’s a wise decision because cataract surgery is an effective and safe procedure that restores your vision by replacing the cloudy lens in your eye with an artificial one. But what about the recovery process? Don’t worry because today, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about recovering from cataract surgery. From the initial post-surgery sensations to tips and precautions, you’ll be fully prepared for a successful recovery. Let’s talk about what to expect during cataract surgery recovery.
The First 24 Hours
Following your surgery, your eye may feel gritty, scratchy, or slightly uncomfortable. This is normal and remedied with mild pain relievers prescribed by your eye surgeon. You may also experience temporary blurred or double vision, which is a result of your eye’s adjustment to the new lens.
Eye surgeons likely place a patch or shield over your treated eye to protect it during sleep. It is suggested that you not rub or touch your eye, even if it feels itchy, as this might dislodge the new lens and disturb the healing process. Stick to your eye doctor’s instructions regarding using prescribed eye drops, usually steroids and antibiotics, to prevent inflammation and infection.
The First Week
In the initial stage of healing following a cataract surgery, it is usual to experience a few transitory fluctuations in vision and some slight discomfort. These include blurry or hazy vision, mild eye irritation, and sensitivity to light. However, don’t worry, as these symptoms are normal and will end in due course. Here’s what you need to know:
Experiencing blurred vision
After undergoing vision correction surgery, it is common to experience a noticeable improvement in your vision within a few days. However, you should keep in mind that it can take several weeks for your vision to get fully stable. During this initial period, it is normal for your vision to fluctuate a little, so there’s no need to worry at all.
Your eyes need time to heal and adjust to the changes made during the surgery. Your eye specialist will likely schedule follow-up appointments to check your progress and make sure that your vision is stabilizing as expected.
Sensitivity to light
When you start experiencing sensitivity to bright light, it could cause discomfort and pain in your eyes. To avoid this situation, you should wear sunglasses, particularly when you are going outside, to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and intense glare, further aggravating the sensitivity. This way, you protect your eyes and enjoy your time outdoors without discomfort.
Wear an eyepatch
Your doctor will recommend the use of an eye patch to protect your eye during sleep. You should follow their instructions, but this means wearing the patch only at night. This will ensure that your eye is protected while you sleep without interfering with your daily activities. If you have any questions about how to use the eye patch, don’t hesitate to speak with your eye doctor.
Care when taking a shower
You can usually bathe or shower the day after cataract surgery, but be cautious not to get shampoo or soap in your eye. Use a washcloth to gently wash your face, keeping the treated eye closed.
Continue using prescribed eye drops
It is highly recommended that you continue using the eye drops prescribed by your doctor, as they play a crucial role in preventing potential infections and promoting the healing of your eye. Choosing the right eye surgeon for cataract surgery and following their instructions is extremely important . Your eye surgeon will guide you in the best way regarding the frequency and dosage of the medication to ensure that you recover as soon as possible and avoid any complications that may arise from not using the eye drops. So, make sure you use them regularly and as directed by your eye doctor.
Don’t drive for a few days
It is also essential to avoid driving until your eye doctor gives you the green light to do so. This is suggested because your vision may still be blurry, and you may experience sensitivity to light, which can make driving unsafe. The sensitivity to light causes glare, making it challenging for you to see the road and other vehicles clearly. Your depth perception may also be affected, which makes it more difficult to judge the distance between your car and other objects. You should always wait until you have recovered fully and have no vision problems before you start driving again.
The Following Weeks
In the coming weeks, your eyesight will get better, and most of the restrictions you have been following will be eased. Here’s what you can expect during this time:
Improvement in your eye vision
Your eye vision will gradually become sharper over the next few weeks. However, depending on
your eye surgeon recommendations, you may still need glasses for close-up tasks such as reading.
Regular Checkups During Cataract Surgery Recovery
You should keep seeing your eye doctor for regular checkups to make sure your eyes are healing properly and address any issues you may have. Your doctor will give you a schedule, and all you have to do is be punctual and follow through on the regular checkups.
Resume Normal Activities
Once your eye doctor gives you the green signal, you can slowly start doing the things you used to do before, like driving, work, exercise, etc.
Continue Using Eye Drops
You may have to use certain eye drops for a longer time, as instructed by your eye doctor, to make sure your eyes heal completely and to avoid any complications. Do not stop using eye drops until your eye doctor tells you to stop. Following every instruction of your doctor will give you the best outcomes from cataract surgery. So make sure you are listening to them.
Important Precautions To Remember
If you’ve recently had cataract surgery, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure a successful, speedy recovery. First, take a break from swimming, cold plunging, hot tubs, and saunas for at least a few weeks, as these can increase the risk of infection in your eyes. Also, be gentle with your eyes and resist the temptation to touch, rub, or apply any makeup to them for at least a week.
Don’t forget to wear sunglasses when you step out to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Last but not least, you should maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently. And if you notice any unusual symptoms like redness, increased pain, decreased vision, or sudden light flashes, don’t hesitate to report them to your eye doctor immediately.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, after undergoing cataract surgery, it is important to take proper care during the recovery period. The eye shield provided by your eye care specialist should be worn at night to protect the eye while sleeping.
The artificial lens implanted during the outpatient procedure will require some time to adjust, so bright lights should be avoided for a few days. In addition, the use of antibiotic eye drops is mandatory to prevent any infection. It is also recommended that you monitor your eye pressure and follow up with your doctor as needed.
Finally, the intraocular lens will help restore your vision and improve your quality of life. In the end, if you notice any unusual symptoms like redness, increased pain, or decreased vision, don’t hesitate to report them to your eye doctor immediately.
Contact Bagan Strinden Vision for Cataract Surgery Consultation
Looking for experienced and reputable doctors for cataract surgery? Contact Bagan Strinden Vision today! We’re located in beautiful Fargo, North Dakota, and offer a range of eye care services, including Laser Eye Surgery, Glaucoma Treatment, General Eye Care, and Eyelid Procedures. Say goodbye to blurry vision and hello to a brighter world. Call us now at +1 701-293-8242 and take the first step towards a clearer future!
