Dos and Don'ts After Cataract Surgery

Summary

In this video, Dr. Chan Janbon from Isaac KL explains the do's and don'ts after cataract surgery. Patients typically experience mild discomfort, blurry or wavy vision, and should rest for 1-2 hours post-surgery. Driving is discouraged due to potential dizziness or nausea. Key post-op care includes avoiding eye rubbing, heavy lifting, bowing, and activities like swimming or strenuous exercise. Patients should be cautious around dust, avoid direct water contact with their eyes, and follow medication instructions. Recovery can range from days to months, depending on individual conditions and complications. Regular follow-ups ensure proper healing and vision restoration.

Takeaways

• 😌 **No Pain Expected**: Typically, there's no pain after cataract surgery, only some gritty sensation and discomfort.
• 👁️ **Blurred Vision Normal**: Post-surgery, blurry or wavy vision is normal and should clear up within a day.
• 🛌 **Rest Required**: It's advised to rest for one to two hours after surgery, avoiding any head shaking or bowing down.
• 🚗 **Transportation Advice**: Plan for someone else to drive you home as you may feel dizzy or nauseous post-surgery.
• 🚫 **Avoid Eye Rubbing**: Rubbing eyes can cause wound leaks and lens displacement, which is critical in the first two weeks.
• 🏋️‍♂️ **Limit Physical Activity**: Heavy lifting, straining, and intense exercises should be avoided to prevent complications.
• 💧 **Water Precautions**: Avoid getting water in your eyes, especially during bathing or washing your face.
• 🏊‍♂️ **No Swimming**: Swimming is prohibited to reduce the risk of infection from dirty water.
• 🍲 **Cooking Considerations**: It's best to avoid cooking; ask for help or prepare light meals if necessary.
• 🛌 **Sleeping Position**: Avoid sleeping face down; side or back sleeping is recommended.
• 💊 **Medication Adherence**: Follow the surgeon's instructions for eye drops, including antibiotics and steroids, for up to a month.

Q & A

What is the normal sensation after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, it is normal to feel some gritty sensation and discomfort, and the vision may be blurry or wavy.

How long does one need to rest after cataract surgery?

You will need to rest about one to two hours after your cataract surgery.

Why is it not recommended to drive after cataract surgery?

It is not recommended to drive after cataract surgery because you may feel slightly giddy, nosier, or even vomiting at times, and the blurring of vision may last for one day.

What are the 'don'ts' after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, you should not rub your eyes, lift heavy objects, bow down, splash water into your eyes, swim, do heavy exercises, cook, go to dusty places, or have sexual intercourse.

What is the recommended sleeping position after cataract surgery?

You may sleep on your left, right, or straight, but not in a prone position after cataract surgery.

How long is the recovery period for cataract surgery?

The recovery period ranges from just days up to months, but the usual time is one month.

What factors may prolong the recovery after cataract surgery?

Factors that may prolong the recovery after cataract surgery include dry eyes, a swollen cornea, being a diabetic patient, or being a very old patient.

What happens during follow-up visits after cataract surgery?

During follow-up visits, your vision and intraocular pressure will be checked, the wound will be inspected for proper healing and signs of infection, and the general well-being of the patient will be assessed.

What types of eye drops are typically prescribed after cataract surgery?

Typically, you will be provided with antibiotics and steroid drops after cataract surgery.

How long is the medication required after cataract surgery?

The medication is typically required up to one month after cataract surgery.

How should eye drops be administered after cataract surgery?

Eye drops should be administered by washing hands first, opening the bottle cap, and instilling one drop into the lower eyelid or eye. After use, close the cap.