Are you having cataract surgery soon? Are you wondering how to ensure that you have a smooth recovery?
Following the instructions your cataract surgeon provides you after cataract surgery is vital for a successful recovery. However, there are certain things you should be sure to avoid to reduce your chances of having complications.
Keep reading to learn six things to avoid during recovery after having cataract surgery with the best cataract surgeon in Baltimore!
Swimming
During the early stages of recovery, your eyes will be prone to infection. For this reason, it is important to avoid getting water into your eyes.
This includes swimming. You will also need to be careful not to get water in your eye while you are showering during the initial recovery period.
The water you shower in can carry harmful germs, so it is important to keep your eyes dry while you clean yourself.
Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes is never a good idea, but it is especially dangerous when you are recovering from cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon will create a tiny incision in your cornea, which is the clear dome of tissue at the front of your eye.
This tiny opening heals naturally during your recovery, without the need for stitches in most cases. However, if you rub your eye while it is healing, it can cause the tiny incision to open again.
This complication may be uncomfortable and may damage your vision. It can be challenging to resist rubbing your eyes while recovering from surgery because your eyes may be itchy as they heal.
The best way to handle this is with eye drops to stay moisturized.
Strenuous Activity
During your recovery, it’s important to rest while your eye heals. Even lifting something heavy or bending over can cause problems with the healing process in your eye.
This is because straining yourself can increase pressure in your eye. This sudden increase in pressure can cause a variety of issues.
It’s best to pause your workout routine until after you are cleared by your cataract surgeon.
Wearing Makeup
Applying makeup can easily transfer germs and other bacteria from your hands to your eyes. The product can also flake off and irritate your eyes.
It’s best to plan to not wear makeup, lotions, or perfumes, before, during, or after cataract surgery until cleared by your cataract surgeon.
Going Outside Without Sunglasses
UV rays from the sun can harm your vision. It’s important to protect your eyes form the sun when you are recovering from cataract surgery.
It’s important to wear sunglasses that have 100% UV protection. Without UV protection, sunglasses do not provide as much protection as they should.
Driving
While you should be able to drive within a few days after your cataract surgery, you will need to wait to get behind the wheel until you are cleared to drive. Although you may notice an immediate improvement in your vision, your vision may not reach its full potential until you have entirely recovered.
Do you want to learn the best ways to recover after cataract surgery with the best cataract surgeon in Baltimore? Schedule an appointment at Levin Eyecare in Baltimore, MD, today!