The waterfalls are still, to this day, the leading cause of vision loss among the elderly population. Fortunately, we have long known how to operate on them with a very high success rate and almost immediate recovery. However, despite the good results of the intervention, we still talk about surgery. The post-operative cataract surgery is simple, and continues to be essential. Let's see what it looks like for most patients.
Remember that, first and foremost, you must listen to your ophthalmologist because there are patients who, due to particular circumstances, may need some extra precaution, and we recommend that you trust only accredited and experienced staff, such as the one who will attend you in our Nebro Ophthalmology Clinic.
What is the postoperative period after cataract surgery like?
We say that the cataract aftercare are simple and logical because they hardly restrict the patient's normal activity and because the vision impaired by cataracts tends to recover, almost completely, after 3 or 4 days.in most cases.
During these first few days it is normal for the patient to experience blurred vision as a result of the inevitable swelling that accompanies any surgery, no matter how simple the procedure.
Although the patient may feel almost recovered a few days after the operation, he or she will need to continue to follow the The following instructions are to be followed to the letter we are going to see and, very importantly, respect the treatment regimen with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. that has been prescribed. Drug treatment helps to minimising the risk of infection opportunists and shortens recovery time.
In addition, as with any surgery, it must contact your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormal symptoms, such as fever, purulent discharge, redness of the eye, decreased vision, or pain that does not reasonably resolve in the expected period of time. If your ophthalmologist is not available within a few hours and you have these symptoms, go to the emergency department.
In any case, we will keep in touch with you in order to make a post-operative follow-up and detect any possible setbacks in recovery. But we will always need your collaboration as a patient to offer you the best guarantees.
How long does the post-operative period last?
Strictly speaking, the complete postoperative period in the case of cataract surgery lasts between a month and a month and a half. This does not mean that care should be the same throughout the entire period.
The first week is usually the one that is a little more laborious and restrictive, although cataract surgery and its postoperative period are far removed from the care required for other ophthalmological operations, such as a cataract surgery. vitrectomy.
What post-operative care is needed after cataract surgery?
Always listen to your ophthalmologist
The doctor can introduce the variations that it finds appropriate in the event of a delay in the expected time for recovery or if any problem arises.
This includes prolonging or resuming drug treatment if deemed necessary by your surgeon or an emergency department physician.
Relative rest
After surgery, you will need to maintain a relative rest for at least one week. During this time, you will, in principle, stop practising sport (consult us if you practise something relaxed such as yoga or Pilates) and you will only need to take time off work for the time it takes to recover. clear visionunless it is a job where there is a risk of impact to the eye area or face.
How long do I have to be on sick leave after cataract surgery?
Many cataract patients have already left working life behind when they undergo cataract surgery, but it is not uncommon that some are still of working age and have to take time off work.
The sick leave will be between two weeks and one month depending on the circumstances. People who work long hours at the computer usually need a little more than two weeks due to the fatigue that this type of work produces in the eyes. Also, more care should be taken in jobs that involve a higher risk of trauma to the face.
Sunglasses and common sense
We recommend wearing sunglasses during the day as long as the pupil is dilated. Then wear them outside, to protect from bright light and wind, and decide whether you are more comfortable with or without them at home. Common sense and your visual experience are often the best guides for choosing when to wear sunglasses indoors.
The same common sense dictates that you should avoid forcing the suture or exposing yourself to unnecessary intense light stimuli for a while, and that ideally you should also avoid shocks or sudden rises in blood pressure in the first week after the operation.
We advise that do not drive until his vision is clear again, and to wait for some time before doing so at night, because of the risk of being dazzled.
Personal hygiene
Unless otherwise indicated for patients with other specific pathologies, you can wash your face or hair without any problem, on one condition: make sure that no water, with or without soap, is introduced into the operated eyes.
As you will see, the cataract postoperative period is very simple to follow and will minimally limit its activity daily, except if you are a professional athlete, if you practice certain sports or leisure activities or if you work where there is a risk of impact to the face.
It is usual to feeling almost recovered within a weekHowever, do not fail to follow your ophthalmologist's instructions to the letter. If you have certain symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist immediately or go to the emergency department. The patient usually recovers satisfactorily without complications and the surgery is an effective and safe procedure. absolute success.