If you’ve just undergone cataract surgery, you’re probably wondering when you’ll be able to resume everyday activities.
Also known as lens replacement surgery, cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries in the United States and the world. Normal activities can often be returned to within days or weeks following surgery.
Continue reading to learn about how soon you can return to your daily routine with the help of Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons.
When Can I Drive After Cataract Surgery?
Don’t get behind the wheel directly after cataract surgery. Anesthesia takes time to wear off and driving after cataract surgery on only one eye could even prove to be difficult—and dangerous. Ask your eye care professional when it will be safe for you to drive. Most patients can resume driving 24 hours after the surgery has been completed, typically being cleared by the doctor after their 1-day post-operative appointment.
When Can I Exercise After Cataract Surgery?
Light exercise after cataract surgery may be resumed for most patients a day after surgery. More strenuous activities such as running, tennis, biking, golf, weight lifting, and intercourse should be put on hold until a week after surgery. To avoid complications, opt for lighter activities like walking or jogging on an elliptical or treadmill. Getting sweat into the eyes following surgery poses a risk of infection so be protective of this for at least a week.
How Long After Cataract Surgery Can You Wear Makeup?
A common question we get asked is “How long after cataract surgery can you wear makeup?” It’s advised for patients to hold off on wearing any eye makeup for at least one week after the surgery.
An important note in this area is also avoiding makeup application tools like brushes and sponges near the eyes. These makeup applicators can contain bacteria that can affect the eyes and prolong the healing process. Makeup can still be applied to other parts of the face. It is often a smart idea to start with fresh makeup and clean brushes once cleared to return to wearing makeup after surgery.
Like many of these categories, timelines depend on circumstances. For that reason, it’s always important to have a thorough dialogue with your ophthalmologist/optometrist.
When Can I Go Swimming After Cataract Surgery?
Swimming after cataract surgery is the one activity that should be avoided for an extended period. Avoid swimming in these bodies of water for at least 2-4 weeks after cataract surgery:
- Rivers
- Streams
- Lakes
- Ponds
- Oceans
An infection can happen in the eye after being subject to the bacteria and amoeba from these natural bodies of water. Pools and hot tubs should also be avoided for the first two weeks after surgery as the chlorine can cause burning and serious damage to your eye during the healing process. For patients who love swimming, make sure to bring this up to your ophthalmologist or optometrist so they can let you know exactly when it’s safe to return to the water. Goggles are always a good idea once you have been cleared to swim again.
How Long After Cataract Surgery Can You Bend Over?
It’s important for patients to not bend with their heads below their waists for the first week after surgery. This can put increased amounts of pressure on the eye while it’s healing. If you need to cough or sneeze, try to be as gentle as possible.
Cataract Surgery Recovery
Cataract surgery through Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons is done one eye at a time. The cataract post-operative care schedule typically follows as: one day, one week, have the second eye done if needed, one day, one week, one month. Vision starts to improve as soon as 1 day after the surgery but can take a few days or weeks to become clear. Vision should not get worse as the eye heals. The prescribed eye drops from the doctor will aid in the healing process. The eye is typically a bit dry feeling and maybe a tad achy but should not be painful. It is normal to be a little pink looking after surgery or have a broken blood vessel on the white of the eye but there should not be any discharge or debris coming out of it. The offices are available after-hours 24/7 if something after surgery does not seem quite right and the patient needs to get a hold of us by calling any of the main office lines.
Eyeglass prescriptions are typically prescribed at the one-month visit if the patient needs them. Patients sent by a referring doctor will go back to their doctor as soon as their doctor can see them after surgery, sometimes even at the 1-day visit.
Have your eyes developed cataracts? Simply request an appointment from Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons. Our team is located in Stow, Kent, Akron/Fairlawn, Medina, Wadsworth, North Canton, and Canton, OH. After the initial consultation, our team will determine if cataract surgery is the best course of action to help your vision.
Below are our doctors who specialize in pre-and post-surgical care of cataracts here at Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons:
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