For most patients, recovering from cataract surgery is quick and uneventful. However, it does require a bit of planning, and knowing what to expect can set you up for a smooth and stress-free experience. Read on as the team from Laser Eye Center of Miami discusses cataract surgery recovery.
How to Prepare
The first thing you should do to prepare for cataract surgery is to figure out transportation after the procedure, as you will not be able to drive yourself home. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgery; have them stick around after surgery to do any last-minute errands that require driving.
You may want to prepare for surgery by taking care of any labor-intensive tasks around the house. You won’t be able to lift anything heavy or bend over for up to a week after surgery.
It’s also smart to prepare for surgery by stocking your fridge and preparing some meals. You might not have the energy in the days following surgery to cook or grocery shop.
What Happens Immediately after Surgery
After the surgery, you will be monitored for about an hour before being released into the care of a friend or family member. You will go home with a protective shield covering your treated eye (the eyes are normally treated separately, one a few weeks after the other). You should not take the shield off unless we tell you to.
On the drive home, you should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and glare. After you arrive home, you will probably want to sleep or rest for a few hours.
It is common to experience minor dry eye symptoms or scratchiness in the eyes after surgery. Normally these sensations subside within a few days. Your vision may be blurry or cloudy as your eyes adjust to the artificial lens placed during surgery.
Resuming Regular Activities
We will provide a detailed timeline for resuming all of your regular activities. You should be able to bathe, watch television and use a computer within a few hours of surgery. You should not drive until the day after surgery. If going outdoors, protect your healing eyes from possible irritants like dust or wind by wearing wraparound sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. You should also avoid rubbing your healing eyes, even accidentally or while sleeping.
You will be advised to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few weeks after cataract surgery. You should also avoid swimming or going in a Jacuzzi for a week after surgery.
Contact Laser Eye Center of Miami
If you have questions about any of these instructions, feel free to get in touch with our team by phone or by email.