Caring for Your Eyes Following Cataract Surgery

Posted by Dr. Matthew Clary on May 1st, 2021

Surgery to treat cataracts is a common procedure performed by doctors at The Eye Center in Columbia, SC. The procedure usually takes no more than ten minutes to complete and requires a relatively short recovery period afterward. However, it is essential to listen to your doctor’s advice and properly care for your sensitive eyes following cataract surgery in Columbia, SC.

Immediately After the Procedure

The preventative measures you’ll take to avoid infection begin immediately after your procedure. After you receive surgery for cataract treatment, you’ll likely be moved to a recovery room while you wait for any anesthesia you were given to wear off. Although some people feel well enough to drive themselves home after their surgery, it’s always recommended to have a family member take you home instead.

Most patients at The Eye Center experience cloudy vision following their surgery. Even if you feel well enough mentally to take yourself home from the appointment, you don’t want to risk driving without full use of your vision. Out of an abundance of caution, always have someone available who can drive you home.

The Days and Weeks Following Your Surgery

After you get home from your cataract surgery in Columbia, SC, you’ll want to rest for a while. Most of the time, doctors recommend taking a nap to rest your eyes for at least a few hours. You may notice some bruising or popped blood vessels in and around your eyes after having surgery for cataract treatment,but these are common side effects that subside within a few days.

You should be safe to watch an hour or two of television and shower after you rest for a while. However, you should avoid hot tubs, pools, and cooking for at least a week, and avoid activities that might cause dirt to get into your eyes (such as gardening) until your doctor says otherwise.

Listen to Your Doctor’s Advice

Most doctors will prescribe antibiotic eye drops following your cataract surgery in Columbia, SC. Make sure you use them, along with any other medication prescribed, for as long as directed. You should also be sure to go to all of your follow-up appointments to ensure your eyes are healing properly.

As long as you heed your doctor’s warnings and avoid all activities that can harm your eyes during this sensitive time, you should have a successful recovery from your cataract surgery!

About the Author

The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.