Cataract Surgery Recovery

When you come out of cataract surgery things will be completely different. Give yourself and your body time to not only recover from the surgery but also get used to the new vision that you will be able to experience.

On the day of cataract surgery you will be taking a huge step in improving your vision. While it takes time for your body and brain to get used to the changes, the results will be well worth it. In the meantime, let someone that you trust take care of you as you begin to heal and adjust.

After the Operation

Because you were under anesthesia and you are going to be without sight temporarily you must have someone drive you home and take care of you. Most patients have a groggy feeling and many go home and go right back to bed in order to rest and recover. At this time your caregiver can go to the store and make sure that all of your prescriptions are filled. Patients usually take an antibiotic and receive drops that will protect and take care of the eye after the cataract surgery.

Because you can’t drive you shouldn’t make any plans to go or be anywhere. You want to just be able to relax. Try as hard as you can to avoid touching the eye area. It will be protected and covered completely but you may feel the temptation to sneak around the bandages and just poke, scratch, or feel a little. Don’t! Over time the feelings will dissipate and you will get back to normal.

Nighttime

You want to wear protective coverings or eyewear when you go to bed at night. You don’t want to unintentionally hit the area and cause a complication. You also want to try to sleep over on the other side as well. Be sure to read the directions on the eye drops that you are given and put them in as directed. You don’t want to miss any of the doses. Do your best to get a restful sleep as your body is working to get itself back to normal during this time.

Follow Up Appointments

Most patients of a cataract surgery will meet with their surgeon the next day for a follow up appointment. This is to check and make sure that everything is going as planned. Your doctor will let you know if you can get back to normal at this time. For most people this means that you will have to avoid things like eye makeup until your doctor releases you and you will probably need to make sure and have sunglasses on any time you plan to be out in the sun. You will also have another appointment about a month later just to continue to check on your progress.

Waiting

It will still take time for your vision to get back to normal. During this time do the best you can to maintain a normal schedule and routine. In about six months most patients find their vision completely back and better than before. If it isn’t, you can make another appointment to follow up about the cataract surgery.

Article Tags: Cataract Surgery, Take Care, Make Sure

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