Tips For Recovering From Advanced Cataract Surgery

If you are experiencing vision problems, you may have cataracts. This is a medical condition that may worsen over time if it's not properly treated. The normal treatment for this issue with your eyesight typically involves having advanced cataract surgery (from professionals such as those from Northwest Ophthalmology). This surgery will remove the cloudy lens in your eye and place it with an artificial one. Typically, you can expect to have this completed on an outpatient basis, but there will be time needed to help you recover. Being aware of specific tips to reduce this period of time may help you heal faster.

Tip #1: Avoid driving

You should enlist another individual to take you to your appointment because you won't be capable of operating a vehicle. Additionally, you should resist the urge to drive at all on the day of your cataract surgery and only resume driving when you feel you are up to the task of doing so on your own.

Tip #2: Avoid exposure to debris

The days that are immediately following your surgery, your eyes may be extremely sensitive and will require extra care. Avoid working outside if possible and especially on windy days when this may cause dirt to get in the eye area.

Additionally, stay out of smoke-laden places such as bars to eliminate your exposure to this toxic substance.

Tip #3: Avoid cosmetics

If you are a female and typically wear eye makeup, you may want to avoid doing so for a few days. It's important to keep the area around the eyes clean at all times. Cosmetics can easily get into the eye and may cause you to experience problems with your eyes becoming infected, which can delay your recovery.

Tip #4: Avoid swimming

You may want to stay out of the swimming pool or hot tub for a few weeks after having the surgery. These wet areas may cause you to get a bacterial infection that could drastically increase the amount of time it takes you to have a full recovery.

It's important to avoid getting your eyes wet when you are washing your hair or taking a shower as well.

Finally, having advanced cataract surgery will allow you to get rid of this severe vision problem and will allow you to have a higher quality of life. Be sure to talk to your optometrist about any questions or concerns you may have when scheduling this outpatient surgery.