Protecting Your Eyes

Having cataracts can be uncomfortable and can make your vision extremely blurry. Luckily, modern science offers cataract surgery, which can help you improve your vision and feel better. Although you might be excited about getting rid of your cataracts, you might be nervous about your surgery and how well you will recover. Luckily, following these four steps will help you recover as well and as quickly as possible.

1. Take a Pain Reliever

Your surgeon might prescribe you a pain reliever, or you can take a normal over-the-counter option such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It's normal to feel some mild irritation or minor pain from tearing, but your over-the-counter medication should help. If you find that the pain medication that you're taking isn't helping, you can ask your physician for something a little stronger at your follow-up visit.

2. Wear Sunglasses

There is a strong chance that you will feel sensitive to the light after your cataract surgery. If you don't already have a pair, consider investing in dark sunglasses to help shield your eyes during the recovery process. You may even want to wear your sunglasses in bright light conditions indoors until your eyes have finished healing.

3. Use Your Eye Drops

Your surgeon will give you special eye drops that will aid in the healing process. These eye drops will probably need to be used several times a day; simply follow your physician's instructions for application. Along with providing a little bit of comfort and a soothing feeling, your eye drops will also aid in healing and help prevent your eyes from getting infected after your surgery.

4. Avoid Strenuous Activities

Although you will be able to continue with most normal activity after your cataract surgery, you will need to refrain from strenuous activity or anything that puts your eye at an added risk. For example, you will need to refrain from welding and other jobs that are particularly harsh on your eyes, and you should also avoid playing contact sports until your eyes have finished healing.

Cataract surgery is a very common procedure that can provide you with immense relief and healing from your cataracts. However, as with any surgery or procedure, it's important to take care of yourself after the fact in order to heal. Luckily, following these four steps will help you recover from your surgery as well and as quickly as possible so that you can start feeling normal again. For more information, talk to a place like Montgomery Eye Center.