If you have cataract surgery coming up, you are going to want to make sure that you take steps that will help your recovery speed up and ensure that you get a strong outcome with improved vision. Cataract surgery does not take that long to perform; the success of the surgery is all about taking care of your eyes after the surgery.
Take Time to Rest
After the surgery, you may be sleepy or groggy. You will be taken to a recovery room. Take your time in the recovery room. Do not rush yourself and hurry up to get out. The recovery room is there for a reason. Take your time and rest. It's more than okay to rest for an hour or so. You want to give yourself time for the sedation to wear off and time for your eyes to rest and relax right after your surgery.
Get a Ride Home
Your vision is not going to be instantly better. You should not drive after your surgery: that is way too demanding of a skill after you have had eye surgery. Your eyes are going to be extremely sensitive to the light outside. You will have to wear special protective eyewear when you leave the doctor's office to protect yourself from the harsh lights. You need to arrange to have a friend or family member drive you home. If that is not an option for you, arrange for a taxi or arrange for medical transportation through your insurance company or health care provider.
Get Some Rest
You are going to have to wear a protective shield over your eyes to protect yourself from bright lights for a few hours after the procedure. Your eye surgeon will let you know the exact amount of time.
You can just sit at home or you can take a nap. It is smart to just go home and rest in bed for a few hours following your surgery. The more rest your eyes can get, the better.
Don't Bend Over
When you bend over, you actually put pressure on your eyes. Normally, this is not a big deal and your eyes can handle it. Right after surgery though, you are going to want to avoid bending over. If you need to pick something up, squat down and keep your head up. For tasks where you may need to bend over, like taking your shoes on and off, get someone to help you with those tasks or wear shoes that you can easily take on and off without bending over.
Take it easy after your surgery. Get someone to drive you home, take a nap and relax your eyes, and get help with any lifting or bending. The more you can rest right after your surgery, the better the recovery will go.
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