If you have cataract surgery coming up, you’re about to experience the world with clearer vision and more independence. Cataract surgery treats blurry vision, light sensitivity, poor night vision, and other bothersome symptoms that result from a cataract.
It works by removing the natural lens of your eye, where the cataract is, and replacing it with a new, cataract-free, artificial lens. In the excitement of achieving clearer vision, it’s best to pause for a moment and make a plan to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible.
While cataract surgery is a simple routine procedure, like most other procedures, it does require a recovery period. However, the good news is, the recovery period for cataract surgery is often short!
Keep reading for five ways to enjoy your recovery the most after cataract surgery in Jacksonville!
1. Wear Comfortable Clothes to Your Procedure
Your comfort is our priority. At Jacksonville Eye Center, our eye doctors are here to walk you through the process, answer any questions you may have and put your mind at ease.
There is one thing you can do to ensure you are comfortable: wear comfy clothes! Cataract surgery takes between a half hour and forty-five minutes to complete.
During that time, you will be lying flat. You will not have to change into a gown. So, there is no reason not to arrive comfortably, in a t-shirt or sweatshirt with flat shoes, for example.
You should also avoid wearing makeup and perfume on surgery day. It’ll save you some time that morning too!
2. Have Plenty of Audio Entertainment Ready to Go
After your surgery, a shield may be placed over your eye. This eye covering may be necessary for up to a week, especially at night while you sleep.
The shield will protect the eye from bumps, irritants, and accidental eye rubs as it heals. While you are waiting for your eye to heal, audiobooks and podcasts can be a great way to entertain yourself.
Since your eyes will still be adjusting and healing from the procedure, it’s best for you not to strain them to watch TV or read. With an audiobook, you can simply lie back, relax, and listen.
It’s a good idea to download these onto your phone or tablet ahead of time. That way, all you have to do on surgery day is press play.
If you’re unsure how to download audio entertainment, ask a friend or family member to show you or do it for you. A few minutes now can mean hours of entertainment later!
3. Prepare Meals Beforehand
Whether your eye doctor asks that you wear an eye shield or not, cooking is not recommended for a week following cataract surgery. While they are healing, your eyes are more sensitive than usual.
From bending over to place something in the oven to standing over a steaming pot, cooking can irritate your healing eyes. It’s best to make things easy for yourself and prepare a couple of meals ahead of time, especially dinner the night after your surgery.
Leave a meal or two in the fridge or freezer for yourself so all you have to do is warm them up. It’s convenient for a friend or family member to simply reheat them and bring them to you as well.
It can also be helpful to plan to have a meal, or two delivered. That way, no additional cooking effort is required on your part.
4. Take Care of Laundry and Other Chores Ahead of Time
Just like with cooking, it’s recommended that you take care of any other chores before your cataract surgery. These chores may include laundry, cleaning, yard work, etc.
Any physical activity has the potential to strain and irritate your eyes, especially heavy lifting, and strenuous exercise. These activities can increase pressure in the eye, so it’s best to avoid them.
You can look at your cataract recovery as a little break from life. Take care of any necessary chores ahead of time, and all you’ll be required to do is relax.
Plus, you can look forward to returning to your normal activities with clear, cataract-free vision soon!
5. Ask a Friend to Drive and Stay with You
On the day of your cataract surgery, you will need to have someone drive you to the procedure and home. Many of our patients have a friend or family member drive them to our center, wait during the procedure, and then bring them home afterward.
Most people can start driving again within a day or two. However, it’s important to abstain from driving yourself until your eye doctor tells you it’s safe to do so.
During your follow-up appointment, your doctor will discuss whether it is safe to return to driving. It can be helpful to ask your friend or family member to stay with you for the rest of the day after your surgery.
They can help with any needed tasks, such as reheating a meal and keeping you company. We find that most people are more than glad to do so!
Luckily, cataract surgery doesn’t involve a long recovery. By following these tips, you can make sure your recovery is as enjoyable as possible.
Do you still need to schedule surgery for your cataract? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Jacksonville Eye Center in Jacksonville, FL, today!