If you have cataracts, you’re among the 21 million other Americans over the age of 40 who do as well. And if you need cataract surgery, you’re among more than six million other Americans who have had cataract surgery to date. Your eye surgeon will evaluate you to see if you’re a good candidate for this type of surgery. They should also be able to tell you what to expect and how to make a strong recovery from cataract surgery in Austin TX.
The replacement of a cloudy lens inside the eye with an artificial lens is a very routine procedure that has a reduced risk of complication. But that doesn’t mean you should be complacent about the recovery process. Always follow the postsurgical plan prescribed by your doctor for the best results.
Steps to Take For Cataract Surgery Recovery
From reviewing post-procedure instructions to adjusting your eye glasses, there are many things you should be aware of to make sure your recovery from surgery goes smoothly. Here are some tips.
1. Review post-procedure instructions
Don’t wait till the morning of your procedure to get familiar with the postsurgical instructions. You may have to use a few different kinds of prescription eye drops, for instance. First, you’ll need to use an antibiotic eye drop for a week to keep infection at bay. Then, for the next month, you’ll have to use a steroid drop to prevent inflammation, as well as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drop to ease pain and swelling.
It may be necessary to taper off each drop according to a set schedule. Knowing what you need to do well in advance of surgery day will allow you to better know what to expect as well as pick up all medications beforehand.
2. Ask for a simpler drug regimen
Complex eye drop regimens can be a challenge to follow for some people. If this applies to you, ask your doctor beforehand if a compounded eye drop is available, suggests Harvard Health. These combination eye drops must be special made at a pharmacy, so if you wait till the day of the procedure, this option won’t be feasible. Also, you’ll have to check with your insurance company to see if they will cover it, as the compound drops often cost more money.
3. Learn how to use eye drops
You may think you know how to properly use eye drops, but in actuality, many people have a difficult time with them. Sometimes, it’s difficult for those with poor fine motor skills to be able to squeeze the little bottle. Other times, people have no trouble squeezing the container, but they fail to aim the drops correctly into the eye.
Pick up some artificial tears before the procedure and try practicing in front of a mirror. Here are some handy tips:
- Pull your lower eyelid down.
- Look up.
- Place the drop in the open pocket.
- Avoid touching your eye or eyelid with the tip of the bottle dropper.
- Ask someone in your household to help you if you still have no luck.
4. Adjust your eyeglasses
Those who normally wear eyeglasses will have to make some adjustments, as removing cataracts affects your prescription. While you may not need a prescription lens any longer, sometimes correction is still necessary – at least for the other eye. You can get a clear lens for the eye with the cataract, and a prescription lens for the other.
5. Use proper eye protection
Once the procedure is finished, you will need to wear a plastic shield over your eye for 24 hours. After that, you only need to wear it at night for a week to protect your eye when sleeping. When you no longer need the shield, avoid any exposure to your eye that could introduce infection. This can include anything from pool or ocean water to outdoor spaces with debris and dust in the air. As such, you shouldn’t be hiking, biking, or swimming for at least a week.
6. Refrain from certain activities
The last thing you want is for the incision in the eye to reopen, so take steps not to put pressure on your eye post-surgery. You shouldn’t:
- Bend over
- Lift objects heavier than 10 pounds
- Clean the house
- Vacuum
- Do laundry
- Exercise vigorously (which can cause sweat to get into the eye)
As a general rule, don’t resume normal activities until a week has gone by.
7. Don’t be afraid to strain your eyes
Many people, after having cataract surgery, are afraid to strain their eyes. But you can still read or work on your computer for any length of time. In fact, this will give your eyes a workout that can be beneficial. Just be aware your depth perception might be off at first, which is why you shouldn’t drive until your depth perception is back to normal.
8. Be aware of vision differences
Vision differences are normal when cataracts are removed from each eye a couple of weeks apart. Give your eyes adequate time to work together and adjust.
Book Your Cataract Surgery Consultation With Broberg Eye Care
To learn more about how you can experience the smoothest recovery possible from cataract surgery, schedule an appointment for a consultation at (512) 447-6096 in our Austin, TX practice.
