If you have either recently had your cataracts removed or else your procedure is booked for the near future, it is of absolute optimum importance that you are fully versed and aware of the myriad of rules to best ensure the speedy recovery and healing of your eye.
With that in mind, continue reading for a comprehensive guide to cataract removal and to learn about how to properly care for your eyes after the operation.
Benefits To Cataract Removal
Many people who are due to have their cataracts removed in one or both of their eyes feel apprehensive and nervous ahead of the procedure, which is both perfectly natural and entirely understandable.
If you are one of those people who feel particularly frightened ahead of the procedure, learning some of the main benefits of cataract surgery may well alleviate some of your worries.
Such benefits include:
• A reduction in light sensitivity
• A general and, in most cases, instant, improvement in the quality of vision
• The eradication of blurs and halos of light
• The eradication of pain and discomfort
• An improvement in emotional health and wellbeing
• The ability to once more enjoy hobbies and activities that were difficult to before
The First Few Days After Cataract Removal
Immediately after your cataracts are removed, you will be given a protective eye shield placed over the recovering eye that you should keep attached to your face for the rest of the day and overnight.
It is incredibly important that you do not attempt to drive for the first two days after your operation. It is strongly advisable to wear sunglasses when you are either out in daylight or exposed to direct artificial light.
Eye-Drops For After Care
You will be given eye-drops to administer yourself at home in the weeks after your operation, which will either be handed to you at the surgery just after the procedure or else be given a prescription there and then.
Usually, patients are prescribed eye drops for between three and six weeks after the cataracts have been removed and usually follow a very simple pattern; six drops a day in week one, five drops a day in week two, four drops a day in week three, etc.
Advice For Efficient Recovery
Your nurse will not only explain to you, in detail, how to best care for your eye after your operation is over but will also give you paperwork for you to familiarize yourself with in detail in your own time.
It is important to avoid engaging in household chores such as gardening, hoovering, or dusting in the first few weeks after the operation, mainly because dust particles in your eye could damage the work that has been done and even infect your eye.
Other things to avoid initially include bending down with your head parallel to the floor, getting the face wet, wearing make-up, visiting the hairdresser, and partially using products on the face, as it’s best to keep your face and eyes clear of irritation.
