As you are preparing for your cataract surgery, we recommend you take the time to review our post-operative cataract surgery care tips. We encourage you to ask your eye surgeon any questions before your surgery to ensure you understand what you should and should not do immediately after your surgery.
1. Do take all medications and use eye drops as prescribed.
You may be prescribed medications and eye drops. Make sure to take them until finished, unless otherwise instructed by your eye surgeon. The medications and eye drops are used to help prevent infection, for dry eye, and to promote healing.
2. Do follow your eye surgeon’s instructions and advice.
We want your cataract surgery to be a success so that you can see clearly and may no longer need glasses or contacts, except when reading. By following your eye surgeon’s instructions, you will recover faster to get back to your normal routines.
3. Do wear protective eye covers as instructed.
The eye covers are meant to help shield the eyes and keep pressure off them so the new lens does not shift or move. Your eye surgeon may provide you with a special eye shield, as well, to wear when going outdoors.
4. Do take time to relax and rest after your surgery.
Cataract surgery is still surgery. Your body needs time to recover. You should plan to rest and take it easy for the rest of the day after your surgery, as well as the following day.
5. Do limit light levels for the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
You should avoid overly bright light to give your new lenses and eyes time to heal. The great thing about the eyes is they do heal quickly.
6. Don’t use electronic devices for the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
Avoid using your smartphone, tablet, or computer and TV. These devices can cause eye strain and dry eye.
7. Don’t rub your eyes even if they itch.
Itchiness is a sign your eyes are healing and is normal. If you rub your eyes, you could cause the new lenses to shift and move.
8. Don’t bend over for the first 48 hours after surgery.
Bending over places extra pressure on your eyes that can cause the new lenses to shift and move.
9. Don’t swim or do any type of exercise or sports.
You will want to put these activities off until your eye surgeon clears you to resume them.
10. Don’t take a shower, use a hot tub, steam room, or sauna.
You do not want to get water or water vapor into your eyes following your surgery. You may take a bath and should avoid getting water into your eyes.
11. Don’t drive for 24-48 hours post-surgery.
You will want to stay off the road to give your eyes time to heal and adjust to their new lenses.
12. Don’t wear any makeup for at least a week.
Makeup could cause an eye infection, so it is best to avoid wearing it for about a week or so. Your eye surgeon will let you know when you can start wearing making again.
13. Do attend all follow-up appointments with your eye surgeon.
You will have scheduled follow-up visits, including one 24-48 hours after your surgery. Make sure you have arranged transportation until you can resume driving.
14. Do enjoy your new “HD” vision.
By taking care of your eyes and following our other “Dos” and “Don’ts,” your eyes will heal correctly so you can enjoy your new high-definition vision.
For further information about cataract surgery, cataract surgery care, and access to the latest cataract surgery technologies, please feel free to contact ADV Vision Centers at (805) 987-5300 today. We have three office locations in the Central Coast of California in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and Paso Robles.