Patients feel great after cataract surgery! In fact, most are very surprised at how good they feel, how clear their vision is, and how easily they can get back to their normal activities. This ease of return to normal life is due to two things. First, it is important that patients follow the surgeon’s guidelines after surgery. Second, it helps to have your surgery performed by Elmquist Eye Group, the best cataract surgeons near Punta Gorda, Florida.
Medications
During the first week after surgery, there are several precautions you can take to make sure your eye heals properly. These steps are important to fast recovery and prevention of complications.
First, take medications as prescribed. Your surgeon will prescribe antibiotic eye drops for infection prevention infection as well as anti-inflammatory eye drops. Be sure to apply both drops exactly as prescribed. Patients vary regarding how long they need to use the anti-inflammatory drops, so your surgeon will advise you during post-operative follow-up appointments.
Most patients only feel slight discomfort after surgery, and over-the-counter oral pain relievers like acetaminophen can be prescribed as needed.
Precautions
Right after surgery, we will tape an eye shield over your eye for protection. Someone will need to drive you home, and we will give you a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright sunlight on the drive home. Avoid the urge to rub your eyes, and we ask that you refrain from driving on the day after surgery. Your surgeon will also instruct you to refrain from strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending over for several weeks after surgery after your eyes heal.
We will also advise against swimming to reduce risk of infection, and recommend that you avoid areas prone to dust, dirt and pollen in order to protect your eyes.
The day following surgery, most patients are able to resume activities like bathing and showering, and perform light computer work or watching television
Typical surgical outcomes
Our Elmquist team wants our patients to know that cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. In fact, millions of these surgeries are performed each year, and the procedure is one of the safest and most effective procedures you can have.
The large majority of patients have no complications and excellent outcomes. Published research shows that 96 percent of patients achieve at least 20/40 vision correction, and that means you can drive without wearing glasses. Even in patients with pre-existing eye conditions that complicate cataract surgery outcomes, nearly 90 percent of patients have amazing outcomes.
Perhaps the most common complication of cataract surgery is a condition called posterior capsular opacification (PCO). The condition can cause cloudy or blurry vision months after cataract surgery, but PCO is easily treated with a simple laser procedure.
The best way for a patient to achieve the best recovery from cataract surgery is to follow the doctor’s orders. We will provide you with detailed instructions following your procedure, and you can take the handout home to make sure you follow these guidelines to the letter. You and your eyes are in good hands at Elmquist Eye Group, home of the best cataract surgeons near Punta Gorda, Florida. Give us a call today to schedule your cataract consultation.