10 Things Not to Do During Cataract Surgery Recovery

Getting cataract surgery can help you see better so that you can perform your daily activities, like driving, reading, working and shopping, without struggling to see. However, it’s very important to be mindful of your recovery so that you achieve the best possible results. We’ve noted the top 10 things you shouldn’t do during your cataract surgery recovery.

How Long Is Recovery from Cataract Surgery

Before we get into our list of things not to do during your recovery, it’s important to understand the complete cataract surgery recovery time, which is four to six weeks. During that time, you’ll want to be very mindful of your eyes and look for signs of infection and complications.

1. Driving

After cataract surgery, you’ll want to avoid driving. This is because you may experience blurry vision, glare and halos that would make it difficult for you to see the road and other vehicles. Not to mention, if you were given a sedative to help you relax, you’ll be groggy. Most people experience a dramatic improvement in their vision within 24 hours. As soon as you’re not experiencing glare, halos or blurry vision, you can drive.

2. Bending Over

Avoid bending over for two weeks after your cataract surgery. Bending over can place pressure on the eyes and delay the healing process. If you’re not sure if your eyes have healed enough to start bending over, you can schedule a follow-up appointment with our eye doctor.

3. Rubbing Eyes

As part of your cataract surgery post op instructions, you’ll want to avoid rubbing your eyes, even if they itch or feel irritated. Rubbing your eyes can transfer bacteria and dust from your hands to the surface of your cornea, which can result in an abrasion and an infection. To be safe, you’ll want to avoid rubbing and touching your eyes for six months.

4. Lifting Weights

After your cataract surgery, it’s very important not to lift heavy objects or perform strenuous activity for one to two weeks as this may put pressure on your eyes and delay your healing. You can resume your normal day-to-day activities within one to two days after your surgery, which includes paying bills, going to work, running errands, walking and performing light cleaning on your home.

5. Swimming

Avoid going swimming and sitting in a hot tub or sauna for up to 30 days after your cataract surgery. Pools, hot tubs and saunas, even if they’re properly treated, are full of chemicals, bacteria and viruses that could get in your eyes and cause an infection. It’s also important not to put soap or water directly in your eyes as this could also result in an infection.

6. Wearing Makeup

Do not wear makeup, lotions or perfumes for at least two weeks after your cataract surgery. Makeup contains a lot of bacteria that could cause an infection and impact how well you heal after your surgery. Perfumes and lotions can also irritate your eyes. Once it’s safe for you to wear makeup again, consider buying all new products and brushes so that it’s all clean and free of pathogens.

7. Forgetting Your Sunglasses

You may experience glare and sensitivity to light for a few days after your cataract surgery. Therefore, it’s important to get a good pair of sunglasses and wear them anytime you go outside. Our eye doctor recommends utilizing this practice even after your eyes have completely healed in order to avoid UV damage to your eyes.

8. Going Anywhere Dusty

After your cataract surgery, it’s important to be mindful of dust. Dust getting into your eyes can cause scratches and infections. Therefore, we recommend that you do not dust your house or do any activity that would send dust into the air for at least two weeks after your cataract surgery. If you cannot avoid dust, you’ll want to wear a pair of good-fitting goggles to protect your eyes.

9. Forgetting Your Medications

You’ll be given eye drops to put into your eyes after your surgery. You’ll want to use those drops as directed to prevent infections and help with the healing process. Likewise, you’ll want to resume your normal medications if you have any chronic or acute health conditions that require medication.

10. Forgetting to Clean Your Eyelids

While you don’t want to get dust, soap, makeup, perfume, lotions and chemicals into your eyes, you also don’t want to leave your eyelids filthy. After your cataract surgery, you may experience some buildup on your eyelids and around your eyes. You’ll want to very carefully clean with off with a sterile pad or gauze with warm tap water. Just remember not to press too hard and put pressure on your eyes.

Once your cataract surgery is complete, you’ll receive a detailed list of cataract surgery post operative instructions from our eye doctor. These instructions are designed to help you avoid complications during your recovery. If you have any questions, you can always call our eye doctor at 770-427-8111 for further instructions and clarification.