After cataract surgery: what you need to know (complications, protection and risks)
Cataract surgery, also known as cataract surgery, is a relatively common procedure that restores vision to millions of people worldwide every year – never again seeing out of focus and blurry. However, even after the surgery is successfully completed, there are certain aspects that patients should pay special attention to in order to ensure a smooth recovery process. In this article, we will focus on what you should consider after cataract surgery, from immediate tips to follow-up checks and the subsequent process of healing.
Immediately after cataract surgery: tips for a smooth recovery
After cataract surgery, it is important to follow some basic rules of conduct to aid recovery and avoid possible complications. Here are some tips for the immediate period after the operation, which are also given by ophthalmologists:
- Rest and avoid physical exertion: After the operation, it is important to take it easy and get plenty of rest. Avoid lifting heavy objects or exerting yourself excessively.
- Wear protective goggles: Your doctor will probably give you protective goggles to wear for the first few days after the operation to protect your eyes from impact or irritants. Protective contact lenses (safety lenses) are even more comfortable.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: To minimize the risk of infection, it is important not to rub or touch your eyes, even if they are itchy or uncomfortable. You will be given soothing eye drops for this purpose. This prevents foreign bodies from entering the eye after the operation, which can increase the risk.
- Drops and medication: Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding eye drops and other prescribed medications. These are crucial for healing and avoiding infection. You will receive a precise drip and medication schedule from EyeLaser.
- Regular rest periods for the eyes: Give your eyes regular breaks, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of screens. Blink regularly and look into the distance to relax your eyes.
Follow-up checks: 2 essential follow-up appointments with EyeLaser
After cataract surgery, regular follow-up visits are crucial to ensure that your eyes are healing properly and your vision is optimally restored. With EyeLaser, you will usually need to schedule two follow-up visits:
- First follow-up check: This usually takes place a few days after the operation to check the healing process and ensure that there are no complications. Your doctor will test your vision and examine the condition of your eyes.
- Second follow-up check: This takes place a few weeks or months later, depending on your individual healing process. At this follow-up check, your eyesight will be tested again and the doctor will determine whether your eyes are completely healed. After this, the cataract is completely healed and can never occur again.
It is important to keep these appointments and discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your doctor. If you have any questions or if complications arise during the recovery period, you can contact us at any time and you will be given a prompt appointment to clarify or discuss everything.
The time of healing: final visual acuity and possible side effects
The length of recovery after cataract surgery can vary from person to person, but most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision within a few days of cataract surgery. However, it can take several weeks to months for maximum vision to be restored.
Complications or side effects after cataract surgery:
Some side effects may occur during the healing phase, including
- Slight blurring or haziness: This is normal and usually improves over time.
- Sensitivity to light: Your eyes may react more sensitively to bright light. You should therefore wear sunglasses outdoors. Glare can also occur in dim light or darkness.
- Dry eyes: Some patients experience temporary dryness of the eyes, for which artificial tears can be used.
- Occasional irritation: Irritation or mild discomfort may occur in the first few days after surgery, but this should improve over time. Slight swelling may also occur.
- Inflammation: Infections of the eye are also possible. However, these can usually be avoided with the right care and hygiene. If they do occur, they can be treated with appropriate antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication.
It is important to report any symptoms or side effects you experience to your eye care professionals at EyeLaser to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment and can be responded to quickly if necessary.
How risky is cataract surgery?
Overall, cataract surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure that usually results in a significant improvement in vision. By following the tips above and maintaining regular follow-ups, you can ensure that your recovery goes smoothly and your vision is optimally restored. The complication rate is very low and in most cases the side effects disappear on their own within a very short time. There is nothing to worry about.
You will also be fully informed about possible risks and complications during your preliminary examination and the ophthalmologist will tell you everything you need to know before and especially after the operation.
Tips for everyday life for a successful recovery
In addition to the general tips for the immediate recovery phase and the follow-up checks, there are some important tips that you can easily follow in everyday life to support a speedy recovery after your cataract operation:
- Nutrition and hydration: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help you heal. Also drink plenty of water to keep your body optimally hydrated.
- Activity restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or intense sports during the first few weeks after surgery. Your doctor will give you precise instructions on how long you should restrict certain activities.
- Protection from sunlight: Even after healing, wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Regular eye examinations: Even after full recovery, it is important to have regular eye examinations to detect and treat other eye conditions early – e.g. a secondary cataract, retinal detachment, a retinal hole or the need for new glasses.
- Be patient: Every recovery process is individual and it may take some time before your vision is fully stabilized.
Cataract surgery with EyeLaser: Lifestyle cataract surgery
If your own lens is clouded (cataract), cataract surgery at EyeLaser offers a reliable, safe and effective way of finally being able to enjoy the world again without a veil. We use state-of-the-art techniques and offer two different procedures:
- Lifestyle cataract surgery: Your lens is replaced with a complex multifocal lens that corrects any visual defects (short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism) as well as the opacity. You can then stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.
- Standard cataract surgery: Your lens is replaced with a monofocal lens. The cataract is cured. However, you will probably have to continue wearing reading glasses after the procedure.
When is the right time for an operation?
If you would like to take the decisive step towards a better life or a better quality of life, then we look forward to welcoming you to EyeLaser Vienna or Linz for a non-binding preliminary examination or a free aptitude test.
Make an appointment now