Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the eye. As with any other surgeries complications can happen during or after cataract surgery as well. However a set of instructions are given to all patients undergoing cataract surgery to prevent any untoward complications. At Shakthi Eye Care, all patients undergoing cataract surgery are clearly explained about the care to be taken after surgery. They are also given a printed sheet with instructions to be followed after discharge from hospital.
Use Eye Drops Regularly
Eye drops are started on the same day, approximately 2-3 hours after surgery. Usually one antibiotic and one steroid drops are given to prevent infection and inflammation. Diabetic individuals may require additional drops to prevent retina related complications. The following instructions given related to usage of eye drops.
- Wash your hands every time before applying drops
- Do not touch the tip of the bottle with finger and careful that the tip doesn’t come into contact with eye / eye lid skin
- Instil just one drop by gently pulling the lower lid while looking up, without exerting any direct pressure to the operated eye
- Use the drops exactly as instructed in the correct frequency
- Close the eyes gently for 5 minutes each time after instillation and wait 5 minutes between different eye drops
Remember not to stop drops without your doctor's advice.
Protect the Operated Eye
- Do not rub or press the eye. It is better to wear the protective glasses for a week
- Wear the protective eye shield while sleeping for the first few days and better to avoid sleeping on the operated side for a week
- Avoid any accidental injury to the eye
Bathing and Personal Hygiene
- You may take a body bath from the next day
- Wash your face gently
- Avoid soap or water entering the operated eye for about 1 week
Visual Activities
- In general there is no restriction for watching TV and reading. Depending upon the IOL placed, some may need near vision glasses for reading.
- Use mobile phones or computers should not be problem for most of the patients after cataract surgery.
- Vision may take few days to weeks to stabolize and final glass prescription, if needed, will be given after 2-3 weeks.
Outdoor protection and Travel
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from dust, wind etc
- Avoid crowded and dusty environments initially
- Traveling for short distances should not be a problem but have to be careful while using public transport system as they may be crowded.
Activities to Avoid in the immediate post operative period
Heavy weight lifting
Strenuous exercise
Swimming
Rubbing the eye
Exposure to dust or smoke
Use of cosmetic items close to eye and hair dye
Follow-Up Visits
Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor healing.
The eye patch is removed within few hours after surgery and seen by the surgeon on the same day.
The follow up visits are usually scheduled:
- 1 day after surgery
- 1 week
- 3–4 weeks
Bring all your eye drops during follow-up visits.
Contact Your Doctor Immediately If You Notice
- Sudden decrease in vision
- Severe pain in the eye
- Increasing redness
- Excessive watering or discharge
- Flashes of light or new floaters
These symptoms require urgent eye examination. All cataract patients are usually given a contact mobile number they can use any time of the day 24x7 in case of emergencies.
In general cataract surgery doesn’t cause pain. Patients may feel discomfort in the operated eye that settles down in the next few days. Most patients recover well and return to normal activities within a few days. Proper care during the healing period is very important for the best visual outcome and prevention of complications.
