Cataracts

Cataract surgery is the most performed surgery in the world and as such, it is important to know how to take care of the eyes after cataract surgery. The reason why cataract surgeries are so common is the fact that this is a major eye problem and the surgery has a success rate of more than ninety five percent. A cataract is basically a cloud that appears on the lens of an eye, meaning it affects vision. Anybody can get a cataract, but they are related to aging with half of all people over 80 in the world having the problem. There are four types of this condition which are secondary cataract which forms after surgery for other problems of the eye, traumatic cataract which develops after injury to an eye, congenital cataract which forms in childbirth and radiation cataract which develops after exposure to some radiations. All forms of the condition are treatable and although many people suffer in silence, they don’t need to do so since surgery is affordable. Failure to get a cataract problem fixed can lead to blindness, but lack of proper care after cataract surgery can lead to the same problem.

An obvious precaution you should take after the surgery is to use eye drops and other medicines as prescribed and to avoid squeezing or rubbing the eye. Since squeezing or rubbing an eye sometimes happens involuntarily due to itching and irritation, it is advisable to wear protective eye shield at night and to wear dark eyeglasses during the day, especially when you are outside. One mistake people make after cataracts surgery is thinking clean running water is good for the eye and they usually splashing water directly into the eye. You should just wipe the face using a wet, clean soft towel. Avoid taking showers immediately after the surgery and to tilt the head backwards when washing the hair.

It is possible to go back to normal daily activities such as reading and watching television a few days after the eye cataract surgery, but activities that are more strenuous to the eye such as gaming for long hours, swimming or using the computer for long hours should be avoided for some months.

You should avoid bending from the waist to pick up things during the first few days and you should avoid picking up heavy things before you are completely healed. You should also avoid strenuous activities such as jogging, lifting weights, etc. You should only go back to normal activities after a doctor has said so.

The surgery is usually done within an hour of walking into the hospital and complete healing takes less than a month. There is therefore no excuse to avoid the surgery, but it is important to go for regular check ups after cataract surgery, even if you feel like you no longer have a problem.