Preparing For And Recovering From Cataract Surgery
If you have cataracts, modern optometry has answers. You could have laser surgery in some cases; in others, an optometrist can implant a lens in your eye to correct the problem occasioned by a cataract. No matter what kind of cataract treatment you will be having, it is important to know how to properly prepare for and recover from your surgery.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery
As is the case with any surgery, you will need to talk to your surgeon about how you can best prepare for your surgery. In the case of cataract surgery, you should at least discuss the following with your surgeon:
1. Medications—If you are on any medications, you should discuss whether those medications will conflict with medications you will receive during your surgery.
2. Food—To avoid problems with anesthesia, you typically have to fast for at least one meal before your surgery. Talk to your doctor about whether avoiding solid foods and/or liquids is necessary.
3. Hygiene—To help avoid infections at incision points, it is a good idea to shower and to specifically wash your face and hair before the surgery.
4. Eyedrops—Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops before your surgery to help avoid infections.
5. A Ride—You should not drive for at least a day after your surgery, so even though you should be able to go home the same day as your surgery, you should arrange a ride to get you there.
Recovering from Surgery
While rest and relaxation are good ideas after any surgery, there are specific things you should do after eye surgery to help the site heal. Ask your surgeon about the following:
1. The Eye Guard—Make sure you know how long you should wear an eye guard after your surgery. Protection is necessary at first, but leaving the eye guard on too long can interfere with proper healing.
2. Heavy Lifting—You might not think that heavy lifting should affect recovery from eye surgery, but straining under a heavy load can create pressure that can cause ruptures at incision points. Make sure you know how long to avoid heavy lifting.
3. Eye Exercise—Whether you have had laser surgery or had a lens implanted in your eye, it can take your brain time to adjust to the new shape of your eye. Thus, reading, watching TV, and other activities can help your brain to adjust. Talk to your doctor about which activities (if any) involving the eyes you should avoid and which activities will help with recovery.
If you want to ensure best results after cataract surgery, it is important to properly prepare and recover from your surgery. Make sure you talk with your doctor about what you can do to ensure that you don't undermine your surgery and recover as quickly as possible.
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