Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: There is Hope

What To Expect After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a common eye procedure that is typically done on an outpatient basis. This type of procedure is usually quite safe, but there is a recovery period after surgery. If you are having cataract surgery soon, here is what you can expect after the procedure is over:

Arrange for a Ride Home

Immediately after your surgery, you will need assistance getting home. It is a good idea to arrange for a friend or family member to take you to the clinic for your surgery and then drive you home. 

Don't Be Alarmed By Blurry Vision

After cataract surgery, many people experience blurry vision so don't be alarmed if your vision is not as clear as normal. The blurry vision is temporary, and as days pass your vision should return to normal. If your vision is still blurry several days after surgery and you're experiencing pain and redness of the eye it is essential to contact your eye doctor immediately to have your eye assessed. 

Avoid Rubbing Your Eye

As your eye heals after surgery, it is very important to keep your hands away from your eyes and completely avoid rubbing the eye. Rubbing the eye that you had cataract surgery performed on can result in the surgery incision site being opened up which can cause a serious infection in the eye. 

Avoid Strenuous Activities During Recovery

For the first several days after surgery, try to refrain from doing strenuous activities. It is especially important to avoid bending and lifting heavy objects, as doing so can increase the pressure on your eye. The best thing you can do is try to relax while your eye is healing so it can recover completely.

Attend All Follow-Up Appointments

You will have several follow-up appointments to attend after your surgery so your eye surgeon can look at your eye and evaluate how it is recovering. Your first follow-up appointment will be within the first couple of days after surgery; during this appointment, your eye surgeon will check your eye pressure and he or she will prescribe eye drops for you to use during your recovery. It is very important that you administer your eye drops exactly as prescribed. 

A second appointment will be scheduled a couple of weeks after surgery so your eye surgeon can make sure that the eye is healing properly. A final appointment is typically scheduled several weeks after surgery; by the time the final appointment arrives, the eye should be completely healed, and you will be able to discontinue using eye drops.