How to Take Care of Your Eyes After Cataract Surgery

Are you scheduled for cataract surgery? In addition to learning about the procedure, you’re likely wondering about the do’s and don’ts afterward. After all, this surgery is an investment, and you want everything to go as planned. 

Our board-certified ophthalmologists with Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, perform hundreds of cataract surgeries annually. An outline of some of the basics about cataract recovery follows. Don’t worry; your doctor provides written instructions on what to do. This summary can help prepare you for what to expect. 

Rest 

You’ve had surgery on a vital but delicate part of your body. Cancel recurring activities and take several days to rest. 

Prepare your partner to help you. Don’t try to clean the house or cook meals. Pack your freezer with frozen food if you live alone. 

Using prescribed eye drops and following doctor’s instructions carefully 

Before your procedure, your doctor reviews your post-cataract surgery protocol with you. Review it carefully so that you know what to do after your surgery. 

After cataract surgery, you have more than one type of eye drop to insert in each eye. To avoid infection, follow the prescribed schedule attentively. It’s easy to become confused when taking more than one medication. Create a schedule on your phone or computer. If needed, set a timer for taking your medication. 

Use your eye drops as instructed, as with any other prescription medication. Don’t stop just because your eyes feel better. 

Protect your eyes from injury and infection

Your eyes are in a vulnerable state after surgery. Before using your eye drops, always wash your hands. Avoid touching your eyes as much as possible during the first few weeks after surgery, so you don’t introduce bacteria to the area. 

Wear a protective eye shield as instructed by your doctor, and always use it at night to avoid touching your eye while sleeping. 

Don’t wear eye makeup until your doctor tells you it’s safe. You have the rest of your life to wear it.

When you shower or bathe, be careful not to get anything in your eye, including soap or shampoo. You may want to wear protective glasses and have your hair shampooed at a salon or barber shop. 

When you go outside, wear protective wraparound sunglasses so bright sunlight doesn’t hit your eyes directly. 

Guidance on driving after cataract surgery

You must have a ride home after your procedure. You may be able to drive after the first day, or you may not be able to drive for a few days. Your doctor lets you know when you can get behind the wheel. 

If you had surgery on only one eye, your depth perception may get compromised, making driving more difficult than usual until your second eye operation, typically about two weeks after your first procedure. Resuming night driving takes longer; it could take up to about a month. 

Guidance on exercising after cataract surgery 

Don’t rush into exercising after your procedure. You can enjoy light exercise like walking during the first week after surgery. Be careful walking outside; it’s easy to trip on the sidewalk or a curb. 

If you’re athletic and enjoy playing a sport or engaging in other activities like dancing, you need patience after your procedure. Your doctor lets you know when you can engage in a hobby or sport like tennis, golf, or dancing – it probably takes 4-6 weeks before you should return to those activities. 

Request an appointment through our online portal or call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, today. We want you to see clearly.