Knowing what to anticipate and how to get ready for the procedure is crucial if you have recently undergone or will soon undergo cataract surgery. Many cataract patients wonder when they can resume normal activities and physical activity after cataract surgery.
What rules apply to exercise, and what should you anticipate after cataract surgery? To find out more, continue reading.
What Is A Cataract Operation?
When the normally clear lens becomes cloudy, it develops a cataract. It happens as a result of protein clumping in the lens. As people age, cataracts become more prevalent and slowly form.
You may eventually have trouble seeing as a result of a cataract, especially at night.
Surgery is required to completely remove a cataract. An IOL, a type of artificial lens, is used in this procedure to replace the cloudy lens.
In general, if a cataract makes it difficult to perform daily tasks like watching television or operating a vehicle, surgery will be necessary. The procedure might also be necessary if the cataract makes it difficult to treat other eye conditions.
Your eye doctor will evaluate your eyes and vision prior to surgery. They can better plan the process if they know this.
Here’s what you can expect during the surgery:
- To prevent pain, a medical professional will first inject numbing drops into your eye. During the procedure, you will be awake.
- With a tiny tool, the doctor will make a small incision in your eye and remove the cloudy lens.
- The synthetic lens will then be inserted. It will take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete the procedure.
- To shield your eye, the doctor will apply a bandage.
- Medical professionals will keep an eye on you as you rest in a recovery area.
- The physician will give you aftercare instructions before sending you home. You’ll require a member of your family, a friend, or a taxi service to take you home.
On one eye at a time, cataract surgery is performed. You will need to wait approximately 4 weeks between the two procedures if you require surgery on both eyes.
Physical Activities Should Be Avoided After Cataract Surgery
Driving
For at least 24 hours after cataract surgery, you shouldn’t drive. As most people experience light sensitivity for a few days following surgery, some people might even want to wait longer than that. Prior to getting behind the wheel, be sure to wait until you can see the road clearly.
Wearing Makeup
Bacteria abound in makeup! As long as you don’t share makeup, it’s safe, but the healing process makes your eyes more vulnerable to infection.
Avoid wearing makeup until after your surgery and ask your surgeon when it is safe to do so at your follow-up appointment.
Invest in new makeup if you plan to wear it after cataract surgery. In relation to eye makeup like mascara, eye shadow, or eyeliners, this is particularly crucial. If you’re wearing old makeup, these can quickly spread bacteria into your eyes.
Performing Strenuous Activities
Keep your activity light until your surgeon gives the all-clear. Exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided. Exercise can make healing more difficult, and it increases your risk of inadvertently hurting yourself while you’re doing it.
Going Near Dirty Or Dusty Areas
For a short while after your cataract surgery in Calgary, it would be beneficial if you avoid activities and places where the air is heavily polluted with dust or dirt. Wearing protective eyewear, such as goggles or glasses, will help keep any particles out of your eyes if you can’t completely avoid this.
Swimming
When taking a shower, make sure the shower head isn’t pointed at your face because you shouldn’t even get water in your eyes. Additionally, you should abstain from going to any pools or hot tubs for the next two weeks.
Even after having had cataract surgery, chlorine can be harmful to your eyes. Even if you keep your head above water, don’t take a chance by entering a pool or hot tub!
Forgetting Your Sunglasses
When you are outside, you should always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays. But it is particularly crucial to remember to wear them after cataract surgery. Make sure you always have a good pair of protective sunglasses on you when you are outside after having cataract surgery because it makes your eyes even more sensitive to light and UV rays.
How Long Does It Typically Take For A Cataract Operation To Fully Recover?
After the cataract surgery, it takes some time and patience to get back to your regular daily schedule. While at first, your vision may be blurry, your eyes will eventually adapt to the change and heal properly. Because you are viewing the world through a new and clearer lens immediately following surgery, the colors may appear to be extremely vibrant. Never put additional pressure on your eyes after the procedure. For a few days after this surgery, try to avoid driving and engaging in any strenuous exercise.
After your surgery, it’s crucial to keep an eye on how your eyes are healing; as a result, you should go see your doctor frequently. A few days after the procedure, your doctor might advise you to wear an eye patch or protective shield for better healing. In order to avoid infection, lessen inflammation, and manage eye pressure, you should also take your medications and eye drops on time. By following these steps, you can ensure that your eyes’ discomfort lessens within a few days and that they fully heal within eight weeks.
An expert group of top ophthalmologists performs cataract surgery at Glenn Medical Center. For the best cataract surgery procedures and other eye treatments, you can rely on us.
Conclusion
Make sure to check with your eye doctor to see if any additional activities you enjoy are permitted. Knowing what you can and cannot do will help you to adequately prepare. Following cataract surgery, this is the safest way to recover.
Don’t forget to include any additional inquiries you may have about cataract surgery in your letter. Your eye doctor is there to assist you through this procedure so you can once again see clearly and precisely!
