The Ultimate Guide to Pre and Post Cataract Surgery 

Cataract surgery is a standard procedure where the actual lens of your eyes is removed and replaced by an artificial lens. The process is usually performed within a day, and the patient is free to go back home afterwards. However, it is a surgery, and you need to be extra-cautious before and after the procedure. So, here is a brief guide to pre and post-cataract surgery. 

PREPARING FOR CATARACT SURGERY 

1. Pay Attention To Your Eye Health 

When there are two to three weeks left for your surgery, take note of your eye health. Your eyes need to be clear and healthy for the procedure to be successful. So, inform your doctor if you notice any redness or discharge. 

2. Discuss Your Medicines With The Doctor 

You might already be taking medicines that interfere with the surgery by causing excessive bleeding or offering unsuccessful results. So, your doctor needs to know all about the medication you are taking. They might ask you to stop taking the medicines for the time being or change the dosage. 

3. Do Not Forget The Eye Drops 

Your doctor must have given you antibiotic eye drops to use in the days leading up to your cataract surgery. So, do not forget to put those drops in your eyes as per instructions. Remember that you are preparing your eyes for the procedure by doing this. 

4. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses 

It would be best if you stopped wearing contact lenses at least four days before the surgery. Lenses might irritate your eyes and interfere with the surgery. So, wear your glasses and give some rest to your eyes. 

PRECAUTIONS AFTER CATARACT SURGERY 

1. Give Ample Rest To Your Eyes 

The best thing you can do on reaching home after the surgery is to lay down and take a nap. You need to wait for a couple of hours before you get some screen time. Also, make sure there is someone to take you home. 

2. Adjust To The Slight Discomfort 

Your vision would be a bit blurry for a few days. You have nothing to worry about because that is your eyes trying to adjust. It is entirely normal for the eyes to feel a bit itchy and be mildly discomforting. Also, it helps to wear an eye patch at night to avoid rubbing your eyes. 

3. Pay Attention To The Symptoms 

There are specific symptoms that need immediate attention from the doctor, such as: 

  • Excessive coughing, vomiting, and nausea 
  • Various spots or light flashes in front of the eyes 
  • Pain that stays despite using over-the-counter medications 
  • Loss of vision 
4. Stay Away From Certain Activities 

You are not supposed to do intense workouts or any other strenuous activity for a couple of weeks after the surgery. After that, you should ask your doctor about when it would be an appropriate time for you to start driving. 

Cataract surgery is a pretty simple procedure, and you have nothing to worry about. Relax, sleep well, and reach on time for the surgery.