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Cataract Surgery Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide
Cataracts are caused by a clouding of the lens over the eye, obstructing the vision. While cataracts are not a medical emergency, they do require surgical removal to restore your vision. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals who have recently undergone cataract surgery or are considering it and want to learn more about the recovery process.
What To Expect After Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete. However, due to pre-surgery assessments and post-surgical recovery, the entire appointment can take several hours. Immediately after the surgery, you may feel slight discomfort or grittiness in the treated eye during the first 72 hours after surgery. It’s also normal to experience symptoms such as blurry vision and light sensitivity.
You can expect to return for a follow-up appointment the day after your surgery. It’s very important not to skip follow-up appointments as these help the surgeon evaluate your immediate and future needs and monitor progress.
What Is the Recovery Time for Cataract Surgery
Complete recovery from cataract surgery takes roughly four to six weeks. Initial symptoms typically resolve within the first week of recovery, however, it takes additional time for the treated eye to completely recover to its normal state. Recovery can be described in three phases: initial recovery, one week post-surgery, and full recovery.
Initial Recovery: First 24-48 Hours
You will have a pad or plastic shield on the treated eye when you come home from the hospital. Focus on rest and recovery and avoid any strenuous activities such as running, biking, swimming or sex during this time. It is also important to avoid bending over or carrying heavy objects during this time as these activities cause the pressure in your eye to increase, putting your incision at risk of re-opening.
One Week Post-Surgery
After at least a week of recovery, you can expect your vision to improve and you can begin resuming light daily activities. Continue to avoid strenuous activities and do not submerge your head underwater. You should also still avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects. You can take showers as normal, so long as eye protection is used while washing your hair.
Full Recovery Period
It takes roughly four to six weeks to fully recover from surgery. This is influenced by factors including health status, medical conditions, rest and compliance with recovery guidelines. After the full recovery period, you should be able to resume your normal activities. If you have a condition such as diabetes, discuss with your surgeon which activities you can resume and which you should continue to avoid, as this condition contributes to slow healing. Maintaining compliance with follow-up appointments is critical as the surgeon can provide individualized advice.
Essential Cataract Surgery Aftercare Tips
While recovery may seem tedious, this stage is most important. Not following the guidelines provided by your surgeon can have serious consequences or cause further injury to the surgical site. Remember to be patient with yourself and the healing process.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will receive prescriptions for antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to help with swelling and prevent infection. You must follow the instructions on your prescriptions exactly as ordered.
Even if you begin feeling better, continue applying your eye drops for as long as they are prescribed. Do not skip follow-up appointments as they are critical to monitoring your progress and addressing any concerns that may arise.
Protect Your Eyes
Wear sunglasses because your eyes may be especially sensitive to light after surgery. Wearing quality eye protection additionally helps protect your eyes from dust, wind and any other particulates in the environment.
Avoid Certain Activities
While avoiding certain activities during recovery may be challenging, you must follow these post-surgery guidelines. This will protect your treated eye from injury and potential damage. Activities to avoid include:
- Bending Over or Lifting Heavy Objects: Bending over and lifting heavy objects increases pressure in the eye and puts your incision at risk for re-opening.
- Swimming or Using Hot Tubs: Do not submerge your head underwater during the recovery phase as getting water in your eyes puts you at risk for infection.
- Wearing Eye Makeup: Avoid wearing eye makeup for four weeks due to the risk of makeup getting in your eyes and scratching the lens.
Restrictions After Cataract Surgery
Restrictions after cataract surgery are designed to ensure proper healing and prevent re-opening the incisions as they heal. While holding off on certain activities can be difficult, restrictions are there for your safety. Some leisurely activities can be resumed rather quickly after surgery, but more strenuous activity should be limited until the eye has fully recovered.
How Long After Surgery Can You Resume Normal Activities?
You can resume normal activities within the first one to four weeks after your surgery, as your body allows. At your follow-up visits, your surgeon should advise you on how soon you’ll be able to resume work and other daily activities.
When Is It Safe To Bend Over or Lift Heavy Objects?
It is generally safe to bend over and lift heavy objects about two weeks after surgery. Follow up with your surgeon at your appointments to determine a plan that meets your individual needs, as this general time frame will depend on your health status, healing process and overall condition.
Can You Sleep Normally After Surgery?
Yes, you can sleep normally after surgery. You’ll need to wear your eye shield during the recovery period and can remove it at the discretion of the surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery Recovery
It’s normal to have questions after surgery. Here are some common ones you might have forgotten to ask. If you need more information, call the nurse line at your surgeon’s office.
How many days of rest are needed after cataract surgery?
You’ll need to rest for at least one to three days after your surgery and only do light activities around the house. This is especially important during the first 24 hours after surgery, as the incision takes roughly a day to completely close.
What are the common complications and how can they be managed?
Complications from cataract surgery are generally uncommon, but if they do occur they’re easily treated. Contact your surgeon if you experience any of these symptoms, even with those that are considered normal. Reporting these gives your doctor insight into your condition and can help guide next steps or prevent emergencies. Potential complications of cataract surgery include:
- Bleeding: It’s common to experience mild bleeding after surgery, which usually resolves on its own. Keep your head elevated and continue resting. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to help lower the pressure in your eye and stop the bleeding if it is prolonged. If the bleeding is severe, contact your surgeon for further guidance.
- Ptosis (AKA Drooping Eyelid): This typically resolves on its own within a couple of months post-surgery. Call your doctor for evaluation if it persists beyond this time frame.
- Swelling: This is a natural response from the immune system after surgery, but it is important to be aware of abnormal or excessive swelling. Your doctor will prescribe you anti-inflammatory eye drops after surgery to help manage swelling.
- Floaters: Loose proteins or debris trapped in the fluid behind the eye may appear in your field of vision, often referred to as floaters. These are simply a result of increased eye pressure after surgery and should resolve on their own over time as your eye heals.
- Light Sensitivity: This is normal after surgery and should resolve on its own.
What happens if you sneeze or cough post-surgery?
Sneezing or coughing too hard after surgery can elevate the pressure behind your eye and increase the risk of the incision reopening. While you cannot always control whether you cough or sneeze, do your best to do so as gently as possible.
Can cataract surgery correct vision problems permanently?
Yes, cataract surgery can permanently correct vision problems caused by cataracts. However, cataract surgery may not correct vision problems unrelated to cataracts.
Why is bending over discouraged during recovery?
Bending over increases the pressure in your eyes, increasing the risk of reopening the incision from surgery.
Long-Term Aftercare and Maintaining Healthy Vision
Taking care of your eyes after cataract surgery is essential to maintaining their long-term health. A great way to ensure you’re taking care of your eyes well after surgery is to create a care routine and integrate the advice below into your daily life. While it may be a challenging adjustment, the benefits far outweigh the risks that occur when you don’t work to maintain healthy vision.
Routine Eye Care
Always keep your eyes clean. When cleaning your eyes, gently wipe them with a clean towel from the corner of the eye closest to your nose, out. Use eye drops as prescribed by your physician. Apply makeup carefully and do your best to avoid touching the eyeball or membranes near your eyelid.
Lifestyle Tips and Preventive Measures
One of the best ways to maintain eye health is by wearing sunglasses while outside. Quality sunglasses block 99-100% UVA or UVB rays. Additionally, eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3s and vitamins C and E. If you’re able, exercise regularly and to the best of your ability, according to your overall condition. If you wear contacts, maintain good hygiene and ensure they are changed regularly and kept clean. Finally, continue to follow up with your optometrist or surgeon at regular visits.
Schedule a Consultation With UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice for Expert Care
If you or a loved one are considering cataract surgery or are currently in cataract surgery recovery, UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice is available for consultations and cataract surgery follow-up appointments. Our expert ophthalmologists are equipped to care for you from start to finish. Dr. Farhangi and Dr. Patel are experts in their field and they both desire to provide quality care, ensuring that you leave their offices having all of your needs met.