In the days following cataract surgery, you will (or have been) prescribed several different eye drops to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. These eye drops MUST be used as prescribed and brought with you to all appointments. It is critical that you keep your appointments for postoperative examinations. We also recommend taping a protective plastic eye shield over the eye every night at bedtime, for the first week, if you are concerned that you might accidentally rub your eye in your sleep.
For the first week following surgery:
1) DO NOT pick up more than about 15-20 pounds of ANYTHING.
2) DO NOT swim, DO NOT use hot tubs, DO NOT use a sauna.
3) DO NOT engage in any yard work, sweeping, gardening, pruning, weeding, etc. NOTHING.
4) DO NOT engage in heavy exercise: NO Tennis, Golf, Basketball, Raquetball, Swimming, Running or Jogging; Biking, walking, light aerobics are fine.
5) DO NOT rub your eyes!
6) Ladies: DO NOT wear eye make up of any type.
7) Try not to bend or stoop, if at all possible.
8) Try not to get soap and water in your eyes. Use a clean, warm, washcloth the clean around the eye.
9) If you were previously prescribed any other eye medications (Tears, glaucoma meds, dry eye meds, etc.) continue using these unless otherwise directed.
10) Bring all of your eye medications and instruction sheet(s) to EVERY appointment.
Many patients experience improvement in their vision by the first postoperative day, but it may take several days or even a few weeks for maximum improvement. Occasionally, blurry vision may be present on the first postoperative day for a variety of reasons including having had a hard or dense cataract, corneal swelling, retinal swelling, and possible complications during surgery. The eye has a tremendous capacity to heal. Your eyeglass prescription usually changes after cataract surgery so your old eyeglasses won’t be helpful. A new eyeglass prescription will usually be tested for on your final examination, usually scheduled 4 weeks after your most recent cataract surgery.
Contact the office for any pain, redness, flashing lights, floaters, loss of vision, discharge, or double vision. Some postoperative complications can occur weeks to months after surgery. Our emergency number for any after hours emergencies is 337-607-9009.
Please click on the link below to learn more about what to expect after your surgery. It is a short educational video:
