As a leading eye specialist in cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange in Moorfields, London, as well as laser vision correction, Mr Alex Day has plenty of expertise in post-operative care. Here are his top 10 tips for speedy recovery after cataract surgery and clear lens exchange.
1. Rest Your Eyes
To begin with your vision will be a bit soft focus and everything can seem bright and glarey. This is because the pupil will still be dilated for the first 24 hours or so. So, whilst how you use your eyes will not cause any damage, you will find it more comfortable if you rest your eyes and avoid excessive computer use or bright lights for the first few days.
2. Remember To Take Eye Drops
It is normal for your eye to feel a little scratchy and gritty for a few days after surgery. The key to helping this settle is to use the eye drops, which are a combination of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops. Be sure to complete the course without stopping before the month is up.
3. Leave A Few Minutes Between Eye Drops
Always leave a few minutes between the eye drops, as otherwise you will wash one out with another. If you are not sure if it went in, then put another in. If you forget to put the drops in, then put an extra one in to make up for it.
4. Do Not Rub Your Eye
This is important. Modern cataract and lens replacement surgery is done without stitches, and rubbing on the eye could cause damage. So if your eye feels itchy and you want to rub it, then don’t! Just put a couple of extra eye drops in until it settles.
5. Keep Your Clear Eye Shield In Place
Wear the plastic eye shield every night for the first week after surgery. Use the tape provided to gently secure the shield to help you avoid rubbing or touching the eye while you sleep.
6. Avoid Swimming
Although it is fine to bathe and shower as you usually would normally after cataract surgery, you should keep tap water out of your eyes for the first three days and avoid swimming for two weeks afterwards.
7. Don’t Apply Make-Up
Of course, you can wear makeup following your cataract surgery but it is best to refrain from putting any on near your eyes for the first week. Mascara will have to wait for a little while longer but you will soon be able to apply it once more, usually two weeks after surgery.
8. Avoid Eye Irritants
Staying out of the way of dusty and smoky environments is a good idea at any time but it is especially important after eye surgery. If you work in a dusty environment, then you need to avoid this for at least two weeks. So, put any DIY jobs on hold until after then.
9. Wear Sunglasses for Protection Outside
Everything will seem very bright when you are outside to start with. So when you go outside, don’t forget to wear a pair of sunglasses. These will also protect your eyes from any grit or dust.
10. Avoid Strenuous Exercise
It is best to take it easy for a few days after your surgery. So even though your vision will quickly improve after surgery, you should avoid lifting any heavy weights or doing any particularly strenuous exercise for the first two weeks. Boxing, martial arts and contact sports are not recommended after cataract or clear lens exchange surgery.
If you would like to know more about recovery after cataract surgery, contact Mr Alex Day to discuss any questions you may have.
