It can be nerve-wracking to have any procedure, even if you know you need it. Even when you know you’re undergoing a procedure that seems simple, you may not be aware of how long the recovery time is.
However, this isn’t the case when you’re undergoing something like cataract surgery. After cataract surgery, you can look forward to improved vision and a quick recovery. That means you can return to the things you love with better vision. Why be nervous about something like that?
But you can still take steps to ensure your cataract surgery recovery is as relaxing as possible. Keep reading to learn about 7 tips to help you have a relaxing cataract surgery recovery!
1. Arrange a Ride Ahead of Time
After you get cataract surgery, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. You won’t be cleared to drive until after having your first follow-up appointment.
Your first follow-up appointment is usually the day after cataract surgery. Until then, you’ll need someone to drive you.
You can use a rideshare service, but having a friend or family member drive you is often easier. That way, they can also be on hand if you need anything until your ophthalmologist at Traverse City Eye clears you to drive.
Making sure you have someone who can drive you to and from the procedure and be around to take you to your follow-up appointment will give you much less to stress about logistically.
2. Download a Few Podcasts or an Audiobook
Cataract surgery is outpatient, meaning you’ll go home once it’s over. You don’t have to worry about recovering in a hospital; your eyes will heal at home.
However, resting is one of the best things you can do after cataract surgery. You’ll be able to do many tasks as usual, but your eye doctor will probably tell you to rest your eyes as much as possible.
A good way to ensure you have something to keep you entertained while resting your eyes is to pick out some podcasts or audiobooks you want to listen to. That way, you can lay back and stay comfortable with your eyes closed.
You can listen to a book you’ve been meaning to read or catch up on your favorite podcasts. You won’t have to do this for too long, as your eyes only need a lot of rest for about a day, but having something to keep you entertained can make resting your eyes much more relaxing.
3. Have a Few Meals Prepped
Since you should rest your eyes the night after cataract surgery, and because you won’t be able to drive until your first follow-up appointment, it’s good to prepare a meal or two. You can have a few frozen dinners ready to go if you don’t feel like doing a complete meal prep before your surgery.
You can also talk with the person driving you about getting takeout somewhere. Treating them is also a great way to thank them for being your ride!
4. Keep Track of Your Eye Drops
One thing you will have to do after having cataract surgery is take prescription eye drops. These eye drops will help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Your eye doctor will prescribe these eye drops to make sure your eyes heal well and don’t become infected. You may need to take these eye drops more than once a day and at specific times, so you should have a way to keep track of the eye drops you’ve taken.
You should also have a way to remind you to take your eye drops. Setting alarms on your phone is a great way to do this.
As long as you have a system to ensure you take your eye drops at the correct times, keeping up with your post-surgical care will be easy and stress-free!
5. Avoid Strenuous Activity
About a day or two after cataract surgery, you can return to many of your everyday activities, including light exercise. However, you should avoid heavy exercise and any particularly strenuous activity.
You shouldn’t plan on running a marathon or helping someone move right after having cataract surgery. Avoid lifting anything heavy or getting your heart rate up too high for too long.
Elevated blood pressure can affect your eyes and interfere with the healing process. Your eye doctor will let you know once you can return to your normal activities and be more active.
6. Make Sure Your Eyes Stay Clean
During the recovery period after cataract surgery, you must keep your eyes as clean as possible. Avoid getting anything near your eyes, including sunlight, dust, makeup, and water.
Tap water can introduce bacteria into your eyes, leading to an infection. You may consider sticking to baths or keeping your shower head away from your face. You also should avoid going into hot tubs and swimming pools, as chlorine is not good for your eyes while they heal.
The good news is that you only need to take these precautions for a few weeks after having cataract surgery. After this time, you can return to your routine. The best part is that you’ll do it cataract-free and with better vision!
7. Enjoy Your New Vision!
Following these tips and your eye doctor’s post-surgical care instructions will ensure a relaxing and easy cataract surgery recovery. After recovering from cataract surgery, you can enjoy seeing again without cataracts.
If you choose a premium IOL for your cataract surgery, you may even be able to see better than you ever could before, including before having cataract surgery.
Are you ready for better vision? Find out if it may be time for cataract surgery by requesting a cataract consultation today at Traverse City Eye in Traverse City, MI!
Why wait when the best vision of your life could be waiting for you?