Recovering from Cataract Surgery

Unlike physical exercise, which can enhance muscle recovery, there‘s no specific exercise for training eyes after cataract surgery that speeds up recovery.

Healthcare professionals recommend cataract surgery when cataracts limit everyday activities, such as watching TV or driving. This surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL).

Most people notice an improvement in vision within a day, but achieving full recovery can take several weeks. During this period, it’s important to follow specific rules to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications.

First day following cataract surgery

Right after cataract surgery , a surgeon will place an eye patch or shield over your operated-on eye. They may recommend you wear this patch continuously for the first 24 hours. This protective cover helps prevent accidental pressure or rubbing on your eye.

Although it’s common to experience blurred vision or sensitivity to light or touch immediately after cataract surgery, your vision should start improving within a day. It may take up to 8 weeks for your eyesight to stabilize completely.

Avoid taking a shower on the first day to prevent water from getting into your eye, which may irritate or carry bacteria and cause infections.

Finally, medical professionals recommend you monitor for any unusual symptoms, such as:

• severe pain
• swelling of the eye
• vision loss
• increased redness
• discharge or bleeding from the eye

If you notice these symptoms, call a medical care team right away, as they could indicate a complication.

Important rules to follow after cataract surgery to ensure healing

Following certain rules after cataract surgery may help speed up your recovery and minimize the risk of complications. Some important rules to consider include :

• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Your surgeon will give you specific instructions, including how to care for your eye shield, when to rest, and how to use your eye drops. It’s important that you follow these instructions.
• Wear sunglasses: Your eye may be more sensitive to light after the cataract surgery. Wearing sunglasses helps protect against UV rays and bright lights, which can lead to discomfort or inflammation during the recovery process.
• Wear an eye shield at night: An eye shield is a protective covering worn over your eye while you sleep. It helps prevent accidental contact, rubbing, or pressure on your eye that may disrupt the healing of your surgical site.
• Use eye drops as prescribed: Following cataract surgery, a healthcare professional may prescribe eye drops for 1 to 4 weeks to help prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and moisturize your eye. It’s important to follow instructions and keep your hands clean to reduce the risk of infections.
• Practice healthy hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling eye care products, to reduce the risk of infection and complications during recovery.
• Take screen breaks: Avoid straining your eye with prolonged exposure to screens. Take frequent breaks and ensure your environment is well-lit to reduce eyestrain and support recovery.
• Get plenty of rest: Allow your body to rest for the first few days after cataract surgery so that your eye can heal and recover properly.

What not to do following cataract surgery

Here are some activities to avoid after cataract surgery:

• Don’t rub your eyes: Rubbing can damage your healing eye tissues and increase the likelihood of infection.
• Don’t get soap, shampoo, or water in your eye: This can introduce harmful bacteria or chemicals, irritating the eye. Your doctor may tell you it’s OK to bathe after 1 day.
• Avoid driving: After cataract surgery, your vision may be blurry and your eye sensitive, making it difficult to see clearly. This can make driving unsafe. It’s best to avoid driving until a healthcare professional confirms it’s OK.
• Avoid physical exercise: Strenuous physical activity can increase eye pressure, risking injury or bleeding. Moderate exercise is all right, but consider waiting at least 1 to 2 weeks before easing back into exercise routines.
• Avoid eye makeup: Eye makeup, like eyeliners and mascara, can introduce bacteria to your eye or cause eye irritation , disrupting the healing process.
• Avoid dusty or smoky environments: Particles in the air can irritate your eye and introduce contaminants, which may cause discomfort or eye infections, slowing the healing process.
• Avoid swimming or going into saunas and hot tubs: These activities may expose your eye to bacteria and chemicals that can cause infection. A healthcare professional may recommend waiting at least 2 weeks before resuming these activities.

Frequently asked questions about training eyes after cataract surgery

Here are some frequently asked questions about training your eyes after cataract surgery.

Can you strengthen your eyes after surgery with exercises?

Although no scientific evidence shows that training your eyes after cataract surgery may strengthen them, older research suggests that some eye exercises may help improve your vision in general. However, consider speaking with a healthcare professional for proper guidance.

How long does it take to adjust after cataract surgery?

Adjustment periods vary. Most people notice an improvement in vision within a day postsurgery. However, while some people resume their usual activities within a few weeks, it can take up to 12 months for the eyes to adjust completely after cataract surgery.

Do your eyes look different after cataract surgery?

Typically, there are no visible changes to your eyes after cataract surgery. However, 95% of people notice a significant change in vision acuity.

Can you rub your eyes months after cataract surgery?

Healthcare professionals typically discourage rubbing your eyes for one day or more after cataract surgery to prevent complications. However, it’s generally safe to gently rub your eyes months after cataract surgery while observing for discomfort or unusual symptoms. If you do experience any discomfort or unusual symptoms following cataract surgery, consider contacting your doctor.

Takeaway

Following cataract surgery, it’s important to follow various instructions, such as using eye protection and prescribed eye drops to help heal. Additionally, an eye doctor may recommend avoiding certain activities, like rubbing your eyes and exposing them directly to water in the first few days, to prevent complications.

If you experience any unusual symptoms following cataract surgery, contact your doctor.