Contents:
- Medical Video: Cataract surgery - symptoms, treatment and recovery time
- What is cataract surgery?
- What to do after cataract surgery
- 1. Eye drops
- 2. Avoid heavy activity
- 3. Mild exercise
- 4. Use eye protection
- 5. Protect eyes from water
- Which should not be done after cataract surgery
- 1. Rub eyes
- 2. Take a hot bath or swim
- 3. Driving
- 4. Eye makeup
Medical Video: Cataract surgery - symptoms, treatment and recovery time
Cataract surgery generally runs for about 30 minutes, and rarely causes complications. After surgery to eliminate cataracts, you are usually required to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour to reduce dizziness from anesthesia.
To maximize the results of surgery, it's good that you adhere to some things that may and may not be done after surgery. However, you should also know what and how cataract surgery is performed, as explained below.
What is cataract surgery?
Cataracts occur when your eye's natural lens becomes more cloudy, usually caused by increasing age. Cataracts cause blurred vision or focus on the eyes to change. If the lens of your eyes is blurred and your vision begins to become foggy, you may have cataracts.
Whereas cataract surgery is an operation to remove lens fog in the eyes that are experiencing cataracts and replace them with clear artificial lenses. Although cataracts are generally related to age, several factors can cause this problem to appear at a younger age.
What to do after cataract surgery
1. Eye drops
After surgery, you will be given drops to reduce some of the effects such as pain or itching. It is important to apply eye medication regularly as instructed by the doctor, to prevent itching after surgery.
2. Avoid heavy activity
After returning home, you do not need to limit yourself when doing routine daily activities. However, make sure you do not carry out strenuous activities, which can cause problems in your body or eyes. You are also allowed to do simple activities such as reading, writing, watching TV, and walking.
3. Mild exercise
After doing cataract surgery, you can do sports activities. Sports are basically good for your health and eyes. But try to do light exercise. Because, heavy exercise will create tension in the body that has a bad influence on the eyes.
4. Use eye protection
It's a good idea to wear eye protection (usually black glasses, if you want to leave the house) all day. Even when you sleep, use eye protection that is usually provided by the doctor after surgery, to prevent your hands from rubbing your eyes unconsciously while sleeping. Avoid sleeping on the side of the eye that has been operated on because it can put pressure on the operated eye.
5. Protect eyes from water
When bathing, you are also recommended to use a barrier or eye protection from water. This is done so that the eye is not exposed to germs or bacteria from the water, which can make the eye infection after surgery.
Which should not be done after cataract surgery
1. Rub eyes
Never rub your eyes or sprinkle water on your eyes because it can increase infection. If something gets into your eyes or starts to itch, consult your eye specialist immediately.
2. Take a hot bath or swim
Do not swim or use a hot tub for bathing, at least for 2 weeks after cataract surgery, because even water that enters your eyes can cause infection.
3. Driving
Avoid driving at least 24 hours after surgery because it can hold the eye load.
You are also prohibited from carrying out heavy physical activity, especially lifting heavy weights or sports such as swimming, for several days.
4. Eye makeup
Do not use makeup in the area around your eyes (including herbal makeup) until your eye conditions recover. Ask your eye doctor when you can start wearing eye makeup again.
