Cataract surgery is the only way to regain clear, unclouded vision after cataracts develop. When performed by experienced eye doctors, the procedure is very safe and effective.
The vision improvements are often dramatic and sometimes even immediately noticeable. Taking care of your eyes after cataract surgery is an important factor in having a successful outcome.
Your eyes will need time and proper care to heal after cataract surgery. Rubbing your eyes while they’re healing can lead to complications like infection.
Keep reading to learn more about recovery from cataract surgery, including what you can and should not do!
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are cloudy patches that develop in the lens of your eye. Most cataracts are age-related, and they are one of the most common causes of vision changes in older adults.
They occur when the proteins that make up the natural lens deteriorate and form discolored clumps. The clumps prevent light from passing through the lens to the retina.
You may notice vision changes, including:
- Blurry vision
- Frequent prescription lens changes
- Reduced night vision
- Seeing halos around lights
- Sensitivity to bright lights or glare
- Colors look dim or dull
- Blank or cloudy spots in your field of vision
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Despite what you might read on the internet, there is no known way to prevent or treat cataracts with supplements or potions. The only way to reverse the vision changes they cause is with cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the clouded lens. Your surgeon will replace it with a corrective artificial lens. The new lens eliminates the cataract-related symptoms and can correct or even eliminate common refractive problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Cataract surgery is considered medically necessary when a certain level of visual disturbance is reached, and insurance, including Medicare, will cover the procedure. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, with no need for general anesthesia.
Usually, it takes only 10-20 minutes, and recovery is typically uncomplicated. To minimize the risk of complications, it’s important to care for your eyes as they heal and avoid touching or rubbing them.
Avoid Touching Your Eyes
Touching or rubbing your eyes after surgery can lead to complications such as:
- Infection: You have bacteria on your hands that could cause an infection in your eyes.
- Damaged healing tissues: Rubbing your eyes can tear or reopen the incisions from surgery.
- Dislocated lens: Aggressively rubbing your eyes can displace or damage the IOL and affect your vision.
Your eye doctor will give you an eye shield to wear the evening after surgery to prevent you from touching or rubbing your eyes. A gentle dab or non-pressure wipe with a clean tissue is allowed. Be sure your eye is closed when you do this. If you are unsure, ask your doctor to show you the proper way to use the tissue.
During the weeks immediately following surgery, you will need to minimize touching your eyes and protect them from coming into contact with foreign substances. You can shower or bathe, but you should not allow water or soap to get near your eyes.
Tap water can contain contaminants that cause infection or irritation.
You should also refrain from wearing eye makeup or using skin care products around your eyes for about a week. The rubbing and pulling from applying and removing eye makeup can disrupt healing. In addition, makeup and skincare products can introduce bacteria or cause irritation.
You should not do any water activities like swimming or hot tubbing for about one week after surgery. If you spend time outside, you should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and to prevent any dust or debris from getting into your eyes.
Follow Recovery Instructions
In addition to not touching your eyes, you need to carefully follow the aftercare instructions your eye doctor gives you. Taking care of your eyes properly will ensure they heal and you get the best outcome from your surgery.
Your eye doctor will give you prescription eye drops to prevent infection and help inflammation. You should use these exactly as directed. If you feel any pain or soreness immediately after surgery, you can take over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
After cataract surgery, you can read, watch TV, and use a computer, but take frequent breaks to rest your eyes. If your eyes are too tired and sore for screen time, try listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts while letting them rest.
Your eye doctor will want to check your eyes the day after your procedure and periodically thereafter to see how they are healing. You will need a friend or family member to drive you to that appointment. During that appointment, your eye doctor will confirm when you can resume activities like driving, exercising, or working.
Results From Cataract Surgery
Many people notice immediate improvement in their vision after cataract surgery. Removing the cataract-affected lens takes away all traces of the cloudiness from cataracts.
The new lens is crystal clear, and vision improvement will continue to improve during your recovery. As your eyes heal after cataract surgery, you will be able to appreciate your new vision from the corrective replacement lens.
It may take several weeks for your vision to stabilize. Caring for your eyes properly will help expedite healing.
When To Call The Doctor
After any surgery, there is a small risk of more serious side effects, including infection. Do not ignore pain, swelling, or other symptoms since complications from eye surgery can negatively affect your vision.
Call your eye doctor right away if you notice unusual symptoms, such as:
- New or worsening pain or redness
- New or worsening discharge or crusting around the eye
- Changes to your vision
- Eye floaters or flashes in your field of vision
Are you ready to restore clear vision with cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Whitson Vision in Indianapolis, IN, today!