
Do’s and Don’ts After Eye Surgery
Expert advice to ensure a smooth recovery from your procedure
Eye surgery, whether it’s for cataracts, laser vision correction, glaucoma, a retinal or macular issue, or any other ocular-related condition, represents a significant medical procedure.
It’s important that you feel educated, aware and informed about the care and attention you may need during your recovery.
This includes both your scheduled post-operative appointments with your eye doctor and the care you will provide to yourself.
Both aspects of post-surgery care are crucial for ensuring optimal healing and preventing complications.
Understanding and following the right steps can help you recover smoothly and enjoy the full benefits of your surgery quicker.
Each procedure will involve some specific care instructions, and these will be provided to you by your eye doctor.
In addition to this, there are also some general guidelines on the do’s and don’ts after eye surgery which can help to prepare you and guide you through the recovery process.
Let’s start with the do’s!
The Do’s After Eye Surgery
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Follow Your Eye Doctor’s Instructions Closely
During your consultation process and after surgery, your ophthalmologist will provide specific post-operative instructions specifically tailored to your individual eye health and procedure. These guidelines will include information and instructions on eye drop medications and schedules, how and when to clean the eye area, activity and work restrictions, and follow-up appointments. It’s imperative to follow these instructions closely as they are provided to promote a smooth recovery.
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Use Prescribed Eye Drops
Eye drops are often prescribed after surgery to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and keep the eyes moist. It’s important to use them exactly as directed, usually several times a day. Ensure your hands are clean before administering the drops and avoid letting the tip of the bottle touch your eye to prevent contamination. If you are unsure of how to administer eye drops, then ask your eye doctor and they can provide you with an in-house lesson, so you feel confident to administer them yourself at home.
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Protect Your Eyes
Your eyes are likely to be sensitive after surgery so protecting them from potential irritants is essential:
- Wear sunglasses: Bright light, dust, wind, and UV rays can cause discomfort or harm to your healing eyes. Sunglasses with UV protection help reduce glare and shield your eyes from harsh elements. These same sunglasses, or even regular glasses can also prevent dust from getting into your eyes.
- Use a protective shield at night: Your doctor may provide you with a protective shield or patch to wear while sleeping. This is particularly important in the first few days to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on the eyes.
- Avoid exposure to environmental irritants: Smoke, dust, and other airborne particles can irritate your eyes. Stay in clean environments and avoid places where these irritants are prevalent if possible.
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Rest and Allow Time to Heal
The healing process varies depending on the type of eye surgery, but rest is essential for all. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting, running, or any activity that could cause your eye pressure to rise.
Sleep is often the very best way to help your eyes heal. If possible, sleep as much as you can for the first 24 hours after your surgery and then regularly after that until your eyes have healed.
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Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress. Attending these appointments is important, as they help detect and address any potential issues early and get on top of them. They also provide you with peace of mind that your eyes are healing as they should. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, decreased vision, or excessive redness, we advise you to contact your eye doctor immediately.
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Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet
Staying hydrated and consuming a balanced diet helps your body heal more quickly. Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, are particularly beneficial for eye health. Foods like leafy greens, carrots, fish, and citrus fruits can support recovery and maintain eye health.
Drinking plenty of water also helps your eyes to stay hydrated which aids healing.
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Take Pain Medication as Needed
Mild discomfort or irritation is normal after eye surgery, and your eye doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. Take medication as directed to manage any post-operative pain and stay comfortable so you can sleep and rest.
The Don’ts After Eye Surgery
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Don’t Rub or Touch Your Eyes
One of the most important things to avoid after surgery is rubbing or touching your eyes. This is especially important in the early recovery period. Your eyes may feel sore and scratchy, and you may wish to rub or touch them to ease this discomfort. Rubbing can cause infection, disturb the surgical site, or even reopen incisions. If your eyes feel itchy or irritated, use your prescribed eye drops or pain medication rather than rubbing them. It is also helpful to wear glasses to help prevent eye rubbing.
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Avoid Water in Your Eyes
After eye surgery, for the first 24-72 hours you’ll need to be conscious of splashing and washing your eyes. This can vary depending on the type of procedure you have had. In most cases it is advised that you avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and even direct contact with water while showering. Water, especially chlorinated or untreated, can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
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Don’t Wear Eye Makeup
Refrain from using eye makeup, such as mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, until your doctor gives the green light. Makeup can harbor bacteria, and applying or removing it can irritate your eyes or interfere with healing.
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Limit Screen Time
Prolonged screen time on computers, smartphones, and televisions can cause eye strain, which is detrimental to the healing process. While it might not be possible to avoid screens altogether, limit your usage if possible, and take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).
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Don’t Drive Immediately After Surgery
Driving is not recommended right after eye surgery due to blurred vision and the effects of anaesthesia or sedatives. Your vision may take a few days to stabilise, and your doctor will let you know when it’s safe to resume driving. In the meantime, it is a good idea to arrange for transportation to your follow-up appointments.
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Avoid Strenuous Activities
Physical activities that involve bending over, lifting heavy objects, or straining should be avoided for at least a week or as directed by your doctor. These activities can increase eye pressure, which may lead to complications such as bleeding or damage to the eye. Gentle activities like walking are often recommended, but it is a good idea to consult your eye doctor before resuming exercise.
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Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Both smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Smoking irritates the eyes and introduces harmful chemicals that can hinder recovery, while alcohol can interfere with your medication and cause dehydration. If possible, avoid both during your recovery period.
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Don’t Ignore Unusual Symptoms
While mild discomfort is normal, certain symptoms may indicate complications, such as:
- Severe pain or sharp discomfort
- Sudden decrease in vision or blurry vision that worsens
- Excessive redness, swelling, or discharge
- Flashes of light or floaters in your vision
If you experience any of these, contact your eye doctor immediately, as they may indicate infection, bleeding, or other issues that require prompt medical attention.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Stay calm and patient: It’s normal to feel anxious after surgery but remember that healing takes time, and it is normal for your vision to improve over several days as your eyes heal.
- Sleep with your head elevated: Keeping your head elevated while sleeping can reduce swelling and promote better circulation to the eyes.
- Wear loose clothing: When recovering, it can be helpful to avoid clothing that requires effort to pull it over your head. Wearing clothing that is easy to take on and off prevents accidental contact with the eye area.
- Ask for help: It’s common to need assistance with daily tasks in the first few days after surgery so don’t hesitate to ask family or friends for help.
Conclusion
In today’s modern medical era, ophthalmologists are highly skilled with access to state-of-the-art technology enabling them to provide excellent care, outcomes and optimal results from safe and successful eye surgery. However, we understand that having any type of surgery can be daunting and understanding how to care for your eyes and what to expect in recovery can promote this success.
The success of your eye surgery depends not only on the procedure itself but also on how well you follow post-operative care instructions. Being diligent about the do’s and don’ts can make a significant difference in your recovery experience and your visual results.
We advise you to communicate with your doctor, report any concerning symptoms, and give yourself the time and care needed during your post procedure recovery. This will mean you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of your improved vision for years to come.
If you would like to seek a referral to our care or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our friendly team on 08 8274 7000 or by filling out the contact form here.