OPHTHALMOLOGY

Q: How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery? What precautions are there for activities and eye care after the surgery?

A: Recovery time from today’s cataract surgery should be short and uneventful providing you are in good health and have no other major eye problems. Many patients report clearer vision within several hours after surgery. Overall, you can expect your vision to begin improving within a few days and continue improving over the next few weeks as your eye heals. Your vision may be blurry at first as your eye adjusts and begins the healing process. While each person heals differently, the healing period generally continues for 4-8 weeks and sometimes longer. Not until this amount of time has passed will you have the best vision. During the healing period, your eye doctor will examine the operated eye at regular intervals to be sure all is progressing normally. Any necessary changes in your glasses will be prescribed after your eye has completed the healing process or after both eyes have had cataract surgery (as applicable).

In the first week or two after surgery, it is common and normal for your operated eye to be red, feel scratchy, to water, and to have a little discharge and crusting particularly when you awaken in the morning. It is also common to notice a fluttering sensation or occasional flashes in the periphery. All of these symptoms should improve as time passes but let your eye doctor know if they do not.

As for post-surgery precautions for activity and eye care, there are several general guidelines as well as specific ones that you will receive from your eye doctor. The first and foremost precaution is that great care should be taken not to bump the eye especially for the first week. For the first week after surgery, in particular, precautions include: wearing an eye shield at per your doctor’s orders to not bump the eye when sleeping, no heavy lifting or strenuous activity, and to avoid swimming or using a hot tub. Throughout the healing period you will want to use all eye drops as may be prescribed; avoid rubbing your eyes; protect your eyes from irritants such as grime, dust, and wind; and not putting any extra pressure on the operated eye. Other than the time immediately after the surgery, there is no restriction on bending over. Generally speaking, your own good judgement is the best guide when it comes to precautions. Essentially all non-strenuous activities may be engaged in as usual within a few hours after surgery including such things as tying your shoes, walking, riding in a car, reading, and watching television.

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgical procedures in the U.S. with more than 3 million being performed each year and statistics show that chances of a good outcome and sharper vision after surgery are excellent.

Gregory Eippert, MD 9485 Mentor Ave., #110, Mentor 44060 440-255-1115 www.opivision.com