Cataract surgery provides a new hope to those with unclear vision.Though this surgery is not a complicated one ,much significance is given to after care.

Are you or someone you know planning to undergo cataract surgery?

Unsure of what to do after the cataract surgery?

Don’t worry.. Karetrip is here to guide you. Through this blog we will delineate what all things you should keep in mind after cataract surgery.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract is the procedure of removing the cloudy lens that is blocking vision, and replacing It with an artificial intraocular lens.

Most of the time it is done under local anesthesia. The procedure only lasts about 15 to 30 minutes.

The Dos After Cataract Surgery

The following are key recommendations that will help you recover more quickly and safely:

1.Your doctor’s opinion matters

Post operative instructions given by your surgeon should be given top priority.Institution like Dr Agarwal’s Eye hospital also provide a lot of information about cataract surgery in their blogs.

According to which type of cataract surgery you underwent your surgeon may provide you specific advice regarding your situation. Also based on the type of IOL implanted the advices can change.

2. Rest and Take It Easy

It’s easy to return to normal life , but your eyes need some time to heal. You need to have proper rest during the first few days for the complete healing of your eye.

When you are reading or watching TV for extended time or using a computer or mobile device excessively; try to avoid straining your eyes. So try to take frequent breaks to give your eyes the rest they need.

3. Use Eye Drops as Prescribed

After the surgery, your ophthalmologist will probably prescribe eye drops. These are used to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. These medications can help to facilitate healing. It should be used exactly as directed.

Continue using the eye drops until you feel better.You have to consult your doctor and only with his advice you should stop using it.

4. Wear Sunglasses Outdoors

After cataract surgery you will be more sensitive to light. Always wear sunglasses when going outdoors . This should be done to protect your eyes against bright light and UV radiation.

Even on cloudy days try to wear sunglasses to protect from dust . It also helps prevent discomfort and lessens strain on your healing eyes.

5. Keep the Eye Clean and Dry

For prevention of infection after cataract surgery, maintaining proper hygiene is necessary. Remember to keep your eye area clean and dry.

Wash your face with a clean cloth. Don’t directly bring soap or water straight to your eyes. In the initial week you may be told to sleep with an eye shield to prevent rubbing or pressure on your eye while asleep.

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet

A nutritious diet helps heal. Foods you must eat include plenty of fruits, vegetables with lots of antioxidants like leafy greens, carrots, and berries. They are also beneficial for eye health, as the omega-3 fatty acids found in nuts and fish are. Recovery is important and drinking plenty of water is important for that.

The Don'ts After Cataract Surgery

There are certain things that one should abstain from after undergoing cataract surgery.This is really crucial for a hassle-free recovery. Here are the key don’ts to remember after cataract surgery

1. Don’t Rub or Press on Your Eye

After cataract surgery, it is important not to rub, press or touch your eye. Rubbing your eye can introduce bacteria, raise your risk of infection, or simply move the intraocular lens (IOL).

Don't try to adjust it if you find it bothers you or makes you uncomfortable. Instead consult your doctor for further advice.

2. Don’t engage in strenuous physical activity.

You should avoid activities for the first few weeks after cataract surgery that strain or put pressure on your eyes. It involves anything heavy or heavy lifting, bending over, or something very physical like running or weightlifting.

Any physical activity that raises your blood pressure can delay your healing in ways that you might not anticipate, possibly putting you at greater risk of complications.

3. Do not swim or soak your eyes in water.

Until the first two weeks after surgery, you should refrain using water in your eyes. Don't swim in or near a pool, lake or ocean because these bodies of water can introduce bacteria into your eyes and lead to infections. Also don't remain in the hot tubs or in saunas as they may increase the possibilities of contamination.

4. Don’t Drive Right after Surgery

In any case, your vision after cataract surgery will improve significantly and even though you may see much better, you shouldn't drive until your ophthalmologist says you can.

In most cases, patients experience blurry vision or light sensitivity in the following days to the day of surgery. In these conditions, it can be unsafe to engage in driving. So it’s best to have someone else drive you to and from appointments until the Doctor has recommended you.

5. Don’t Skip Your Eye Drops

Never skip your prescribed eye drops. For reducing inflammation, preventing infection and ensuring proper healing, these types of medications are necessary.

Prematurely stopping the use of the same could lead to problems, so you should meticulously follow your doctor’s guidelines.

6. Keep Eyes Away From Smoke or Dust

During the recovery period, your eyes are particularly sensitive to irritants like smoke or dust. So you should stay away from environments where these irritants exist like smoky rooms or dusty construction sites.

If you are in a situation where you can’t evade these circumstances, protective shades or goggles can be used to guard your eyes