Postoperative Care
Protect Your Operated Eye During Activities
The operated eye is very sensitive now. The incision was closed with a few delicate stitches (if anything). Here's how to protect:
- DO NOT REMOVE THE EYE PATCH until you visit your doctor the day after surgery.
- USE A METAL OR PLASTIC PROTECTOR OR WEAR YOUR GLASSES. A guard or your glasses will help to protect the eye from injury. Your doctor will tell you how long to use metal or plastic protector, but on average it will be about a month.
- Avoid heavy lifting. At least for a month, or until your doctor tells you, do not load heavy bags (eg. Bags of food or clothing) or lift heavy objects (such as boxes).
- THINGS TO LIFT, DOUBLE KNEES. Do not bend forward, it could put pressure on the incision.
- CAN READ, WATCH TV AND WALK. You can do all your normal activities without no individual indoor danger. You can sew, do office work and carefully move from one place to another.
- DO NOT DRIVE UNTIL YOUR DOCTOR PERMITTED. If your vision is good in the eye that had surgery, the sooner you can start driving again.
Put drops and Use Glasses
Your drops are important to help you heal faster. Note the instructions for getting the drops and always follow these simple steps to apply it safely:
- WASH YOUR HANDS. Before eyedrops, always wash your hands with soap and warm water and dry completely.
- TAKE THE BOTTLE BETWEEN THE THUMB AND INDEX FINGER OF ONE HAND AND FINGER THROUGH USE THE OTHER HAND TO PUSH DOWN THE LOWER EYELID. Take the bottle with the hand "right hand", regardless of which side is the "eye surgery". And more precision will get them.
- WEAR A DROP IN THE corner of the eye. Never let the bottle tip touch the eyelid.
- PROTECT AGAINST EYE BRIGHT AND SHINING LIGHT. When you are in bright sunlight, wear sunglasses or plastic dark glasses over your regular glasses, that cover even the sides of the eyes.
- TAKE THE GLASSES FROM THE ENDS WHEN PLACED. Take the glass for the pins to keep them from going to scratch or itch the eye.
Cataract operation is a "a Day Surgery" - Make Plans to Come Home
Cataract surgery has changed a lot in recent years.You may remember when family and friends had to stay in the hospital for days! Today, however, thanks to modern techniques of microsurgery, most people who have surgery for cataracts go home the same day. Plan:
- HAVE SOMEONE TAKE YOU HOME. You may still feel a little groggy from the anesthesia, so you will need someone to drive you home, either by car, taxi or bus.
- GET YOUR PRESCRIPTION. Ambulatory Surgical Center of Nursing has its own pharmacy on the same floor where you are admitted and discharged. You or the person who is taking care of you, can get the medicine that has been prescribed while waiting.
Call Your Doctor or Hospital Emergency Room if the Following Symptoms Appear. is normal after cataract surgery feel itchy or stinging in the eye, as if something inside. Your eye will be red for a few days. However, you should seek help immediately if:
- EXPERIENCE INTENSE PAIN OR NAUSEA
- IF THE EYE TURNS INTO TOO MUCH RED
- SIGHT WORSE, especially whether a "black curtain" will obstruct vision.
- THE EYE WILL BEGIN to tear GLOWING
- SEE FLASHING LIGHTS
