Do’s & Don’ts After Cataract Surgery in Dallas

Cataract surgery is considered a safe and painless procedure with a quick recovery time and exceptional results. Patients can regain lost vision and resume everyday life with clear eyesight. To achieve the best results possible after your procedure, you should follow very specific guidelines that encourage proper healing.

What to Expect During Cataract Surgery Recovery

At Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers, cataract surgery only takes about 15-20 minutes, as we operate on one eye at a time. Fortunately, the faster your first eye heals, the sooner you can get the other treated, if necessary.
Immediately after your procedure, you will rest in a recovery area while the anesthesia wears off. Some patients report drastically better vision within 24 hours of cataract surgery. However, it is expected to experience fluctuations of blurred vision during the first week as your eye adjusts.

Even with the best aftercare, you may still experience several common symptoms:

• Redness on the white of the eye from broken blood vessels
• Bruising under the eye that resembles a black eye
• Headaches
• Flickering on the side of your vision
• Dry eye
• Itchiness

These symptoms will fade as your eye heals. However, if they become persistent or extreme, you should bring it up with our eye doctors in the Dallas metro area during one of your follow-up appointments.

Cataract Surgery Recovery Guidelines

1. Do Take It Easy

You should give your eyes plenty of time to rest and heal by taking it easy. Depending on their job requirements, some patients even take a few days off work after cataract surgery in greater Dallas. Avoid strenuous activity, such as lifting objects weighing over 20 pounds and heavy exercise. Even bending over can put more pressure on the eyes. Patients must avoid bending at the waist for one week after surgery.
For the first week or so after your surgery, stick to activities like reading, watching small amounts of TV, writing, or walking when you feel up to it.

2. Don’t Drive

Your vision will likely still appear a bit distorted or blurry on the day of and the day after your surgery. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure and refrain from driving the day after as well.

3. Don’t Touch Your Eye

Because of the dry eye effect from surgery, your eyes may feel itchy, making you want to scratch. However, rubbing your eyes during recovery can move the lens out of place or cause an infection. Instead, use preservative-free artificial tears to soothe the eyes.
Do not rub or scratch your eyes for one week after the surgery. You should also avoid applying makeup, soaps, facial cream, and lotion around your eyes during the first week.

4. Do Protect Your Eyes

After your cataract surgery, our eye doctors in greater Dallas will send you home with protective eye shields. You should be able to remove them a few hours after your procedure, although you should continue wearing them while you sleep to prevent hitting your eyes for one week.
You should also wear sunglasses on bright days after cataract surgery to protect the eyes.

5. Don’t Visit Certain Environments

You want to avoid infection and irritation. So, swimming pools and hot tubs are off-limits during your recovery period. You should also avoid areas with high levels of dust and pollen that can get into your eyes and irritate them. If you are outside during the first week after surgery, make sure to wear protective sunglasses.

6. Do Take Your Medication

Our eye doctors will send you home with medicated eye drops for proper healing and comfort. It is important to use these drops as directed. It is also recommended to use artificial tears several times a day, even if you feel like you don’t need them.
We want you to experience the best vision possible after your cataract surgery. Our world-class team will give you all the information you need to keep your eyes healthy long after your surgery.