How Is The Recovery Process From Cataract Surgery?

Juliet D'cruz

Updated on:

The results obtained and recovery from cataract surgery is usually excellent! It is a simple, fast, and efficient procedure. If you have received this indication from your ophthalmologist, know that surgery is the only effective treatment to solve your case since cataracts are the result of a natural aging process, which takes away the transparency of the lens (the natural lens of the eyes) and, if not corrected, can lead to blindness.

In cataract surgery, the doctor replaces this opaque lens with an artificial one, solving the problem. It is even possible that other eye problems are treated simultaneously, such as presbyopia, glaucoma, and refraction problems (myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism). If you have doubts or are afraid of eye surgery, follow the reading to have all the information and be calm to decide! Search for prk surgery here

How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Because cataracts usually affect both eyes, doctors choose to operate one side at a time, with a few days between procedures. Due to the importance of vision, this measure aims to reduce the risk of complications that can affect both eyes. Doctors usually ask for a one-week interval between procedures, but this period can be longer.

Each procedure takes about 20 minutes, and, generally, when the patient comes for the second surgery, he is already noticing an essential improvement in the quality of vision in the already operated eye. Some eye pain or blurred vision is joint for a few days or weeks after the procedure, but see your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

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In addition, it is always important to inform the doctor before surgery if you are presenting with infectious or inflammatory conditions. This may contraindicate surgery.

Cataract surgery is a simple, safe procedure and does not usually cause significant discomfort during postoperative recovery. This type of surgery does not require hospitalization, and the patient can go home right after the process.

Restrictions

During this period, right after the surgery, restrictions are few and specific, such as avoiding looking at electronic device screens in the first 24 hours, not driving in the first 24 hours, preventing the use of makeup or other products in the eyes in the first week after the surgery. Surgery, avoid contact with hot steam (from a kitchen oven, for example), avoid putting dirty hands in your eyes (especially for those with pets) and avoid beach and pool in the first month.

In general, the restrictions are all to rest your eyes and avoid friction and contamination of the operated region. About indications, the patient must follow the use of eye drops prescribed by the ophthalmologist rigorously to preserve the hydration of the eyes and contribute to the healing stage of the surgery.

Possible Discomforts

Swelling of the eyelids and a feeling referred to as having sand in the eyes are expected, in addition to some sensitivity to light, watery eyes, and reddened eyes. Some patients also report a change in the color of objects in the first few days. In the case of patients who received a multifocal intraocular lens implant or who underwent refractive surgery, it is also common to need an adjustment time until vision is normalized.

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Time Off From Work And Physical Activities

The postoperative period of cataract surgery requires only a relative rest for the patient, especially for eye rest, protection of the operated area, and adaptation to the changes caused by the surgery.

In the case of sick leave, doctors generally grant a certificate of up to one week after each surgery for professions that do not require much physical effort and up to 15 days for heavier work or with more significant risk to eyesight.

As the procedure is done in two steps, it is essential to align these leaves with your doctor and company to avoid possible inconveniences. As for physical activities, a leave of up to one week is recommended for lighter and non-impact activities and about 30 days for more intense physical activities, such as weight training, running, and other modalities. Click to know more about prk surgery