Just like any other surgery, you need to spend some time recovering from the cataract removal procedure. Taking the necessary steps to prepare for a smooth recovery is essential.
Keep reading to learn what the recovery process is like after cataract surgery!
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Cataract surgery is a fairly straightforward procedure. First, your cataract surgeon will create an opening in your cornea.
Then, they will insert a device through the opening in your pupil that will break apart the lens inside your eye. Your eye doctor will then remove the tiny lens pieces with gentle suction and replace them with an artificial lens.
They will then leave the opening in the cornea to heal naturally on its own, without the need for stitches. Since the surgery is so straightforward, recovery is also easy.
While it can take up to six weeks to fully recover, most people are more or less back to most of their normal activities within a few days. You’ll need to be extra careful with your eyes for a while.
What Can I Do to Prepare for the Recovery?
While recovery from cataract surgery may be easy, there is a lot you can do to make your time even easier. With some forward-thinking, cataract surgery recovery can feel like a mini-staycation!
First, you should find a ride to and from the surgery center ahead of time. Not only will you want to rest after cataract surgery, but your eye doctor will require someone to drive you home.
Getting your ride situation squared away before your surgery date will be one less thing to worry about. You can also prepare some food a few days ahead of time.
Freeze the meals so you can do minimal work to eat as you spend the first few days relaxing. Sleep is vital for the healing process, so resting is a mandatory part of recovery.
Plan some light activities to deal keep yourself entertained. You won’t be able to exercise or play sports for a while, so pick up a podcast or find a good book series.
Anything you can do while sitting down and relaxing will work. Many people choose to download audiobooks or music to listen to while they rest and recover.
What Will My Vision Be Like?
Your vision results after cataract surgery largely depend on your choice of an artificial lens. If you spent the extra money for premium lenses, your vision could end up being better than it’s ever been.
Standard IOLs only allow you to focus at one distance, either near or far. This means that no matter what, you will need glasses after your cataract surgery for certain activities if you choose a standard IOL.
Premium IOLs come in a variety and can potentially reduce your need for glasses. You can learn about the different kinds of premium IOLs during your cataract screening at Levin Eyecare.
Your eye doctor will work with you to determine which lens will best accomplish your vision goals.
Do you want to learn more ways to best prepare for recovery after cataract surgery? Schedule an appointment at Levin Eyecare in Baltimore, MD, today!