Precautions after Cataract Eye Surgery

Cataract Eye Surgery is one of the commonest procedures in India. We have all heard of someone in our family – parents, grandparents, uncles or aunts having to undergo cataract surgery. When you/ your loved one are handed a diagnosis of cataract and advised to undergo Cataract operation, the very thought can give rise to a lot of questions, anxieties and fears. One major apprehension amongst these is – What to expect after Cataract Surgery.

Cataract operation involves removing the natural eye lens which has opacified and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Surgery is usually performed by a technique called Phacoemulsification. Newer stitchless cataract surgeries called MICS (minimal incision cataract surgery) help faster healing and a gentler recovery. Nonetheless, all cataract surgeries require some precautions to be taken. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts after Cataract Surgery in India.

Don’ts:

• Do not rub your eye with your hand. This can dislodge the stitches if any have been used. Also, it can cause eye infections. If your eye waters or itches, you can wipe it gently with a clean tissue or a sterile, moist cotton swab.
• Do not have a shower bath for the first 10 days after surgery. This doesn’t mean that you have to go without a bath for 10 days! You can take a bath below the chin only and use a wet towel to wipe your face.
• Do not wash your eye with normal water for 10 days.
• Do not indulge in activities that might cause damage to your eyes. Do not play with children or engage in non-contact sports like swimming for a month to avoid any chances of infections or injuries.
• Do not lift heavy weights. If possible, avoid deep and straining cough, sneezing and straining hard for stools for a month. Though these are difficult to control, it might increase the pressure in your eyes.

Do’s:

• Do contact your eye surgeon immediately if there is any problem.
• You may begin shaving after the 3rd day after Cataract surgery in India.
• You can resume activities like watching TV or shopping after 2-3 days of surgery. You may resume all your routine household activities after a week.
• Do instil eye drops regularly, as advised by your eye doctor.
• Do wash your hands with soap and water before you apply any eye medications.
• Wear a protective eye cap at night for a week.
• Clean your eyes with clean boiled water using cotton, 2-3 times a day.

Undergoing any eye surgery can be a very scary thought. But it need not be so. Having access to the latest technology and experienced eye doctors can help you rest assured that your eyes are in safe hands. Also, knowing what to expect after cataract surgery and how to take care of one’s eyes will help prevent complications and ensure a smoother, stress-free entry into a world of clearer vision.

Advanced Eye Hospital and Institute(Aehi) is a premier, multi-specialty eye hospital with a state of the art Cataract Operation theatre with eye doctors trained from the best institutes in India.