Has anyone told you that a cataract is a death sentence? That’s far from the truth. Cataract surgery is a straightforward procedure with a pretty high success rate. The success rate is determined by the recovery and when you’ve gone through the procedure. There’s not much risk with the procedure, but that doesn’t mean you become lax.
Cataracts surgery has life-changing benefits, but for you to reap the benefits, a few tips are crucial and, most importantly, after-care.
What do you expect after cataract surgery?
Compared to other forms of surgery, cataract surgery is pretty minimal, but you’ve to take some precautions. Skipping over the recovery steps could lead to unnecessary complications, sometimes infections. After the surgery, you can’t drive; therefore, you need to organize for transport.
After the surgery, you’re placed in a recovery suite, and a protective shield is placed over your eyes, so you don’t rub. You are given like 30 minutes to 1 hour to recover before you can be allowed to go. That’s enough time to allow any sedative effects to wear off.
Here are the steps to successful recovery
Avoid driving after surgery
As aforementioned, you won’t drive after the surgery, but that goes up to a few days after the surgery. The best period here would be a 3-4 days recovery period, but the doctor will have to clear you to drive even after that. After the first follow-up appointment, the surgeon gives you time to observe you before allowing you back on the pedal. That depends on your healing.
Before surgery, you need to pre-arrange for a lift home, and you’ll be supplied with sunglasses.
Keep the eyes protected.
After the cataract surgery, your eyes are covered with a protective shield to not rub against dirt and pollutants. You can put off the shield after some hours when you get home, on average, 3-4 hours. But you must wear these 4-5 days post-surgery. Beware that you may experience some distorted vision, the first few minutes or hours, but that will fade off. The new artificial lens has to adapt to the light around you, and as that happens, you may take a few hours to dissipate.
Keep off harsh lighting.
Harsh flashing lights can be so discomfiting for the first 24 hours after the surgery. While at home, it’s advisable to use dim lamb lighting where necessary. That includes some light sources like your mobile phone, tablet device, laptop, and television.
Rest as much as possible, keep calm and avoid any excitements.
Be careful when taking a bath.
You can take a bath post-surgery, but that you should do with maximum precaution. Avoid splashing your face with water for at least a week or so post-surgery. That will allow your eyes to heal faster, and afterward, you can wash them whichever way you like.
After the cataract surgery in St. Louis, you need to attend clinics regularly. That enables the specialist to check on you and confirm that healing is taking place accordingly. In case there’s a need for some correction, the specialist can take the proper measures.