Do's and Don'ts: Common Do’s and Don’ts for Patients after Cataract Surgery

Do’s for Patients after Cataract Surgery

· Use your eye drops on the schedule as provided by your ophthalmologist.
· Do resume light daily activities such as walking.
· Do start light physical activity.
· Do wear your protective eye covering while you sleep and avoid sleeping on the side that has been operated on.
· Bathe and shower with your eyes closed. It is advised to have an attendant while bathing and shower.
· One can shave after 4th day of the surgery.
· The attendant should carefully wash his/her hands well with soap and water before applying postoperative eye medications in the affected eye of the patient.
· If your eyes are uncomfortable in bright light it is advised to wear dark spectacles.
· Apply the eye drops in the lower and inner part of the patient's lower eyelid.
· Do use the eye shield as instructed. Wear the supplied shield at night over the operated eye for two weeks after the operation. This protects the eye from accidental damage during sleep. Use adhesive tape to keep the shield in position. The shield is reusable but should be washed with soap and water before each use.

Don’ts for Patients after Cataract Surgery

· Don't rub the eye with your hand as this can cause infection or dislodge any stitches (rarely used in modern cataract surgery). If the eye waters or itches, wipe it gently with a clean tissue or better still sterile, moist cotton swab.
· Do not wash the eye with normal water for at least 10 days.
· Do not read for one week
· Do not drive for 24 hours after surgery.
· Do not play with children for a month to avoid any possible injury.
· Do not lift heavy weights or do strenuous physical exercises, but you may bend as when tying your shoe laces or picking up object from the floor.
· Avoid deep and straining coughing, sneezing while passing stools for a month.
· Do not touch the tip or nozzle of the bottle of medicine. Keep the bottle at a safe distance from the eye.

Do's and Don'ts