Tips for Recovering After Cataract Surgery
As one of the most common forms of eye surgery, cataract surgery replaces a cloudy lens in your eye so that you can see better. Like most operations, it comes with a recovery period. If you want to get the most out of yours, it's a good idea to follow some tips.
Use Your Eye Drops
Your eye surgeon will prescribe eye drops and offer advice on how regularly you need to use them. How often you'll need to use your drops will depend on the nature of your surgery and any health conditions you have. Even if you've had this type of surgery in the past, it's best to follow your surgeon's instructions. Any advice they give is based on promoting your best overall outcome, so it's important to follow it.
Wear Your Eye Shield
Your surgeon may also provide you with an eye shield. They'll likely recommend that you wear it continuously for a short time following your surgery. This is to prevent anything from falling into your eye and contaminating it. Your eye shield may also prove useful when you're in the shower or the bath. It can prevent your eyes from getting wet and you must use it until your surgeon says you can stop.
Avoid Getting Wet
Although you may be used to washing your hair regularly, it's important to avoid it for a few days following your surgery. Try using hairstyles that are suitable for unwashed hair. Additionally, you can use dry shampoo to reduce the number of times you need to wash your hair. If you usually swim for exercise, the weeks following your surgery are a good opportunity to try something else. You should also avoid environments such as steam rooms. By keeping your eyes dry, you give the surgical wound a stronger chance of healing quickly.
Avoid Rubbing
Rubbing your eyes is something that can feel instinctive at times, especially if you're tired or you have an itch. However, by rubbing them you're also disturbing the wound and this can increase your healing period. If you're worried about accidentally rubbing, try wearing your face shield more often. That way, you have a natural barrier between your hands and your eyes that will make you think twice.
Finally, always speak to an eye surgeon if you are concerned about any aspect of your healing. The sooner you address the problem, the better you'll feel.
When it comes to your body health, one of the most important parts to look after are your eyes because this is one item that cannot be repaired or replaced when they fail. As you age, your eyes change too, and I was not aware of that until my optometrist told me I needed bifocal glasses. I began this blog as a way of educating others over 40 about why you need to care for your eyes as you age. Cataracts, bifocal glasses, eyestrain and the need for regular eye check-ups are just a few of the subjects I will cover in my blog posts.