Dos and don’ts after cataract surgery

Your eye lenses should be clear throughout your life, but when they lose their transparency and become cloudy, they develop cataracts. 

Cataracts can cause progressive, painless vision loss as things look blurry and hazy and lose color. Our cataract surgery in Brooklyn can help combat this and bring your vision back to normal. Here are some dos and don’ts after cataract surgery to ensure the best possible results.

Do get plenty of rest

Recovery time from cataract surgery is relatively quick, with many patients reporting drastically better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. However, plan on taking up to three days off work to ensure you have enough time to rest. Allowing your eyes to recover without additional stress is essential for optimal recovery and results.

Some examples of what is allowed while you are resting include the following:

• Watching TV
• Being on your computer
• Writing
• Walking
• Showering or bathing

Because the healing process must run its course, your vision may fluctuate slightly for the first few weeks before fully stabilizing. Your eye should be structurally healed from surgery in approximately one month.

Don’t irritate your eyes

When recovering from cataract surgery, you must avoid anything that would cause undue irritation and interrupt your healing process. Some examples of what to avoid for at least two weeks post-op include the following:

• Rubbing your eyes
• Strenuous activity
• Heavy lifting
• Swimming and hot tubs
• Eye makeup for one month
• Airplane travel
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
• Bending over, which increases pressure in the eye
• Dusty conditions

Do follow all aftercare instructions

It is imperative to follow all directions from NY Laser Visions doctors while recovering, even if you do not experience any complications. This includes continuing your medicated eye drops for the entire prescribed duration to help prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

Our doctors will also provide you with a protective shield for your eye that should be worn during sleep for at least the first week after your cataract surgery. This includes while you’re napping. The guard helps you avoid irritating the surgery site while it is in the recovery phase. If you are a side sleeper, you may need to sleep on your non-operative side to help avoid applying any additional pressure as the eye heals.

Other examples of aftercare instructions include the following:

• Do not drive until after the first day following cataract surgery
• Wear sunglasses when you’re outside or exposed to sunlight, which may need to continue for up to one year post-op
• Rest when you feel tired
• Have someone drive you home after surgery

Don’t neglect your nutrition

To enhance your recovery from cataract surgery, maintain a diet that is beneficial to your overall health, including:

• Fiber-rich whole foods
• Leafy green vegetables
• Lean protein
• Plenty of water

Avoid foods generally associated with poor eye health, such as foods high in sugars or refined carbohydrates, because they spike blood glucose levels in the body. These blood glucose spikes can damage blood vessels in the eye to extend recovery and reduce the likelihood of optimal results.

Do choose New York Laser Vision for the best cataract surgery recovery

At New York Laser Vision, our eye doctors are committed to providing you with the most high-quality eye care available so that you can live your life with crystal clarity. As possibly the best cataract surgery Brooklyn has to offer, our method is relatively painless and is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States. It has a very high success rate, with more than 98 percent of patients regaining helpful vision. Choosing New York Laser Vision ensures the best recovery and results after cataract surgery.