Sleep on your back or on the opposite side of the eye that was operated on to decrease your risk of infection and irritation after surgery. If you turn over in your sleep, your eye shield should help protect your eye from significant damage.
What is the best position to sleep after cataract surgery?
Sleeping position after cataract surgery
Typically, cataract surgery shouldn't actually affect your sleeping position, but if you have concerns about rubbing the eye during your sleep, you may wish to try sleeping on your back or on the opposite side of the eye which was operated on.
How long after cataract surgery can I sleep on my side?
Cataract surgery should not affect how you sleep, aside from wearing the protective eye shield to avoid rubbing the eye. Rubbing your eye or even water splashing in your eye can aggravate the chances of infection. You may also want to avoid sleeping on the side of the operated eye for the first 24 hours.
Can you sleep on two pillows after cataract surgery?
You may sleep on either side with as many or as few pillows as you wish as long as you are wearing the shield. Wash hair with head back only for one week. It's OK to shower, but avoid soap or shampoo in the operated eye, and be careful not to rub it in the shower.
Do you need bed rest after cataract surgery?
Aside from the eye shield, this procedure should not require any significant changes to your sleep routine. If you are a side sleeper, it may be beneficial (and more comfortable) for you to sleep on your non-operative side to help avoid applying any additional pressure as the eye heals.
35 related questions foundWhat are the do's and don'ts after cataract surgery?
Don't wear eye makeup for at least a month. Don't travel via an airplane. Avoid sneezing or vomiting after surgery. Avoid bending over after surgery to prevent pressure increase.
What is the fastest way to recover from cataract surgery?
- Avoid Irritants At All Costs. By far, the most important thing that you can do to guarantee a speedy recovery after cataract surgery involves avoiding irritants at all costs. ...
- Do NOT Touch Your Eyes. ...
- Wear Those Sunglasses. ...
- Those Follow-Up Appointments Are Essential – It's Time to Act Like It. ...
- Rest, Rest and Rest Some More.
How soon can I wash my hair after cataract surgery?
You can shower or wash your hair the day after surgery. Keep water, soap, shampoo, hair spray, and shaving lotion out of your eye, especially for the first week. Do not rub or put pressure on your eye for at least 1 week.
What happens if you bend over after cataract surgery?
What Happens if You Bend Over After Cataract Surgery? You should not bend over after cataract surgery for at least 2 weeks. Bending over will place pressure on the eye and this may cause unnecessary complications to your eye. The main complication will be a delay in the healing process.
Can you drive at night after cataract surgery?
Be Careful Driving at Night During Surgical Recovery
Glare, halos, and issues with light sensitivity are not uncommon. Be sure to take things slow when it comes to driving at night. If you notice glare and halos, try to avoid driving yourself at night until these issues have resolved.
How long does it take for cataract incision to heal?
Often, complete healing occurs within eight weeks. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: Vision loss. Pain that persists despite the use of over-the-counter pain medications.
Can I read and watch TV after cataract surgery?
Several hours following the surgery, most patients are able to watch some television or look at a computer screen for a short period of time. It's important however that you don't over-exert your eyes during the first 24 hours post-surgery. You can expect to return to most normal activities during the first week.
How do you shower after cataract surgery?
You can take a shower or bath 24 hours after your surgery. Do not get water or soap in your eye. Keep your eye closed while you shower. Use a clean washcloth every time and normal tap water to clean secretions from your lashes or the corner of your eye.
Can I use my phone after cataract surgery?
Yes, you can watch television, computer/laptop and mobile one day after a routine cataract surgery. However, you may feel a little strain due to brightness, but it will wear off with time.
How sedated Are you for cataract surgery?
Typically, patients are awake during cataract surgery. This eliminates risks associated with general anesthesia (where you are “put to sleep”) and enables Our Doctors to communicate with you during your procedure. You will be given an oral medication prior to the procedure to help you relax during your surgery.
How long does it take for eyes to feel normal after cataract surgery?
Although some patients see well just a few days after cataract surgery, full healing can take up to three months. Cataract surgery recovery time tends to be minimal and mild, but there are various factors that can impact the speed of recovery.
What strength reading glasses do I need after cataract surgery?
You will of course need reading glasses, which will be an extra +2.5 or so to your distance prescription. These glasses may be reading glasses only, varifocals, or bifocals.
Can your eyes get worse after cataract surgery?
It is very common to have blurry or unclear vision in the days and sometimes even weeks after cataract removal. Most of the time, this is caused by normal swelling in the eye which occurs as a part of surgery. Patients with larger, denser and/or firmer cataracts are more likely to experience more inflammation.
Is there pain after cataract surgery?
Although true pain after cataract surgery is rare, mild to moderate discomfort is common. This discomfort can generally be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol®. However, prescription medications can be prescribed for patients who experience more intense discomfort or pain.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Cataract surgery is not painful. While patients are awake during surgery, there is little or no discomfort involved. A mild sedative may be administered before the surgery, which calms the nerves, and eye drops are used to numb the eye.
Can I do laundry after cataract surgery?
You can resume activities such as washing your face the day after surgery, as long as you are careful to not touch the eye. You shouldn't splash water directly on your face and instead, use a washcloth to carefully clean.
