It’s okay to rely on others when recovering from surgery. In fact, it is necessary for a large part of it. For example, in many surgeries, especially eye surgeries such as cataract removal, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Whether you get a taxi service or a close friend to bring you home is up to you, but the point stands that you will need help. However, there are plenty of things that you can aid yourself with. Here are some ways you can ensure that your cataract surgery recovery goes as smoothly as possible!
Get Plenty of Rest
This is especially important directly after the surgery. Your body will most likely be exhausted from going through surgery, minimally invasive as it is, so don’t resist the urge to sleep. Just make sure you wear your protective eye shield while you rest to avoid damaging your sensitive eyes. Chances are you will be able to remove the protection within hours of the surgery, but for the following few days, you will need to reapply it.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
UV rays are harmful to our eyes, but after surgery, your eyes will be even more susceptible to their damaging radiation. If you can’t avoid sunlight for some reason, make sure to wear the funny looking sunglasses that you will be given. They will protect your eyes from harsh glare and will help you stay comfortable as you rest.
Avoid Unnecessary Dangers
This may sound obvious, but many activities that are normally considered mundane are actually unsafe for eyes after surgery. Things like heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and contact sports all risk seriously damaging your eyes. It is especially important to avoid rubbing your eyes, as your cornea will be in a very vulnerable state and will be prone to tearing. Your eyes will also be more prone to infection. Avoid swimming, wearing makeup, using facial lotion, going outside when it’s windy, and try not to open your eyes in the shower too much as it will allow outside irritants to get inside.
Lubricate Your Eyes
Your eyes will most likely feel itchy and have a burning sensation for several days or even a couple weeks after surgery. To help cope with this, use eye drops. Apply them every so often, even if your eyes don’t feel dry. Make sure not to touch the tip of the applicator, as that could introduce germs into your eyes.
Attend Follow Up Appointments
Within the first two days of your surgery, your surgeon will have you come back in to make sure things are progressing and healing normally. You may have to attend a few more visits to make sure no major complications rise up. It is very important that you make time for these. Problems with cataract surgeries are rare, but if they do happen it is better to know early and address it before permanent damage is done.
Recovering from cataract surgery can be a nuisance, but following these tips should help it go that much more smoothly. Have additional questions about cataract surgery? Contact Minnesota Eye Consultants!
