The occurrence of this medical condition when the lens in the eye is covered with cloudy vision is called Cataract. This causes discomfort while driving, reading, watching television or identifying people and objects.
Those people who have consulted an ophthalmologist and taken up the surgery to get it treated must learn everything required to follow during and post-cataract surgery.
In this surgery, the surgeon will take out the natural lens which has developed specifications and replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens.
Here, we will discuss cataract surgery recovery and the care that needs to be followed.
Cataract Surgery Facts
Everyone should be aware of certain facts related to cataract surgery which is performed by the surgeon.
1. Popular Surgical Treatment
Cataract is one of the most popular as well as common eye surgery. It is often developed and performed in the aged. Each year, approx 3 million cataract surgeries go under the procedure.
2. Use of Glasses, contact lenses or operation
These mentioned are three essential ways to get a cataract corrected. Out of which, surgery is the far more opted procedure.
3. Often Affects age 50-60 years
Anyone belonging to this age group has a higher chance of developing a cataract.
4. No Symptoms, Still Cataract
It is a possible circumstance that a patient might not experience any visible symptoms or feel anything, yet upon getting diagnosed, the result can show it to be a cataract.
5. Risk through Sun Exposure
Sun gives the unfiltered and direct rays which hardly not just for the eyes but for the whole body. In the case of eyes, this can lead to cataracts.
6. Nuclear vs Cortical
These are the two types of cataract formation. Where the first one forms in the centre part, the second type is formed in the outside layer. These two are studied at the time of diagnosis.
7. 10% of Cases may Experience Recurrence
Though, with an expert doctor, a cataract surgery ensures to be successfully treated. But, in approximately 10% of cases, the cataract might repeatedly occur.
8. Can occur true to genetics
Genetics too can cause the occurrence of cataracts in patients.
9. Risk Due to Smoking
Anyone with smoking addiction can be affected by cataracts in the eyes.
Do’s and Don’t during Cataract Surgery Recovery
Post cataract surgery recovery time advised by the surgeon is 4 weeks to 6 weeks. A patient is advised in this time to take extreme care, and follow certain medications as well as dos and don’ts. This is because the initial time is always crucial.
Dos
1. Medicated Eye Drops
Doctors provide the best refreshing eye drops for the patient to keep their eyes hydrated. If you have been prescribed any, make sure to have a regular dosage of it.
2. Carry Sunproof Glasses
Eye protection, especially when stepping out is very important. The direct rays of sunlight are very harmful, especially in the case of eye surgery, to avoid sun rays falling directly into the patient’s eyes. Whenever you step out, get your sunproof glasses on.
3. Take Ample Rest
It should be that post-surgery surgery, there is no limit or quantity to it. Rest, as much as you can get, and make sure yan ou have an ample amount of it. Proper rest promises to keep stress-free and free and heal it quickly.
4. Night Eye Shield
At night, while you sleep, put on your night eye shield. This will help you have a relaxing night’s sleep.
5. Painkillers for Emergencies
If in pain, keep emergency painkillers by your side. If you experience pain in the eyes or surrounding area, initially, the patient can take painkillers, if the pain doesn’t go away, the patient must visit the doctor.
6. Protect Eyes while Washing Hair
While bathing and especially while washing hair, ensure to keep any hair products or soap off the eyes and their surrounding.
Don’t
1. Avoid Water/Soap Getting into the Eyes
The eyes are the most sensitive part of the human body, post cataract surgery, they should be protected from soap or water getting inside.
2. Avoid Exercising
It requires pressure, releases sweat and makes eyes weary. Eyes that have recently undergone surgery must avoid all of this.
3. Avoid Driving
To avoid strain or pain. Avoid driving for a few initial weeks. Doing so will help heal the eyes properly.
4. Avoid Flying
If the patient recently had his/her cataract surgery, must avoid booking a flight ticket. Flying up might cause pressure and strain to the eyes.
5. Avoid Rubbing, Pressing or Scratching
All of these are strictly prohibited. The eyes are so sensitive, that they cannot handle the pressure or pain of rubbing, pressing or scratching.
6. Avoid Dusty Areas
Dust or pollution is highly risky for the eyes and their health. In the first-month post cataract surgery, most care of the eyes is recommended. Avoid going to dusty or polluted areas.
7. Avoid Swimming
It is another physical activity, that needs to be avoided. It can cause pain, and stress or infect your eyes.
8. Avoid Heavy Lifting
Any kind of heavy load, bending or strain needs to be avoided. Heavy lifting can cause pain in the eyes.
Does Diabetes affect Cataract Surgery Recovery?
Yes, anyone with diabetes can have a higher chance of developing cataracts. Also, post cataract surgery, diabetes patients experience a higher effect of cataract surgery recovery as it reduces the speed or the pace of recovery.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
For cataract patients, doctors give an estimation of approx and minimum of 4-6 weeks of proper recovery time.
When can you resume exercise after cataract surgery
Cataract surgery requires the patient to have a proper one-month rest from anything that requires effort or pressure. During the recovery time, the patient is advised to be at proper rest. Don’t engage in physical activities like exercising, gym, yoga, jogging or running.
Any patient with a normal recovery speed can start with light exercises in 2 weeks, at the same time, heavy lifting, proper gaming or physical exercises which require force needs to be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. As this is the expected recovery time from cataract surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cataract surgery, very common in the 50-60 age group, is the result of cloudy eyes and discomfort in seeing clearly. Many get it corrected through cataract eye surgery.
Under this, post-surgery patients are advised for complete rest, especially for the initial two weeks and eventually, slowly the patient gains clear vision, once the swelling is healed.
Thus, taking utmost care of one’s eyes post-surgery is very important. This depends on the precautions which help with the recovery of the eyesight.
FAQS
Do and don’t after cataract surgery?
Since cataract surgery is major eye surgery, every single patient is advised by their doctor to follow and avoid doing certain things.
These are, a patient should take proper rest, wear sunglasses to protect eyes, should keep emergency painkillers nearby and take in case of feeling pain and must take all the medicines with the prescribed dosage as asked by the doctor.
At the same time, patients must avoid doing heavy lifting, exercising, rubbing or pressing their eyes. Following these are very important.
What should you not do after a cataract operation?
The patient who recently got treated for cataracts through surgery should not do heavy exercise, swimming, weight lifting, rubbing eyes, scratching eyes, pressing eyes etc. These can harm the treated eye.
How long does it take for blurriness to go away after cataract surgery?
Blurred vision often remains for a few weeks post cataract surgery. Eventually, with proper care, rest and medication, the vision correction and the patient can feel a clear vision.
Why is my vision worse after cataract surgery?
This inflammation of the vision, it being unclear or blurry is a normal result of cataract surgery. In every cataract surgery case, this is a common situation which often stays for a few weeks and gets away eventually.
With the passage of time and proper care by the patients, this condition will fade away and the vision will become clear.
How do you wash your hair after cataract surgery?
Washing your hair is permitted within a given gap of a few initial days. But, ensure keeping your eyes safe at every step. Keep your eyes and surrounding areas clean and far from soap, shampoo or water getting inside.
What happens one month after cataract surgery?
Post cataract, one month is a significant time as it takes up all the healing work. The whole month the patient gets better with time. The patient’s eyes gradually start to feel and see clearly. Within the first month doctor calls up the patient for regular follow-ups and once the recovery seems visible, the doctor prescribes the final power for the glasses.
When can I take a shower after cataract surgery?
Post-surgery, may it be any. A few days patients are advised to avoid showering in general. In case of cataract surgery, within a few days, the patient can get back to bathing and showering. But, he/she must avoid getting water into their eyes.
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