Can you drive after having cataract surgery on one eye?

Post-surgery, it's common for vision to be blurry for a few days. Many people can drive again within 24 hours. However, it's highly recommended you do not drive until you've seen your eye doctor after the surgery. Your ophthalmologist may recommend you wait a few more days before driving.


How soon can I drive after one eye cataract surgery?

Most patients are able to resume driving 24 hours after cataract surgery. However, this completely depends on the individual patient. The day after your surgery, you will return to your surgeon's office for a follow-up appointment.

How many days rest is needed after cataract surgery?

Plan on taking one to three days off of work to be sure you have enough time to rest, but it is normal to resume most normal activities within a couple of days. Simple diversions like reading, watching TV, writing, and walking are okay to resume as soon as you feel up for it after your eye surgery.


What not to do immediately after cataract surgery?

7 Things Not To Do After Cataract Surgery
  • Drive. You shouldn't drive at least 24 hours after cataract surgery. ...
  • Wear Makeup. Makeup is full of bacteria! ...
  • Perform Any Strenuous Activity. Until your surgeon says you can stick to light activity only. ...
  • Go Near Dusty Areas. ...
  • Swim. ...
  • Forget To Wear Sunglasses Outside. ...
  • Rub Your Eye.


What happens 1 week after cataract surgery?

After surgery, your eye may feel scratchy, sticky, or uncomfortable. It may also water more than usual. Most people see better 1 to 3 days after surgery. But it could take 3 to 10 weeks to get the full benefits of surgery and to see as clearly as possible.


How long after cataract surgery can you drive? - Dr. Sriram Ramalingam



Why can't you drink water before cataract surgery?

So why do you need to fast? Fasting before cataract eye surgery reduces the risk of stomach contents/acid going the wrong way down into your lungs while you are asleep.

What happens if you accidentally bend over after cataract surgery?

What Happens if You Bend Over After Cataract Surgery? You should not bend over after cataract surgery for at least 2 weeks. Bending over will place pressure on the eye and this may cause unnecessary complications to your eye. The main complication will be a delay in the healing process.

How much walking can you do after cataract surgery?

In general, it's safe to do light exercise the first week after cataract surgery. This includes walking and stretching without bending at the waist. By the second week, you can resume moderate-intensity activity. At 4 to 6 weeks, you should be fully healed.


Do you have to sleep sitting up after cataract surgery?

Sleep on your back or on the opposite side of the eye that was operated on to decrease your risk of infection and irritation after surgery. If you turn over in your sleep, your eye shield should help protect your eye from significant damage.

Should I wear my old glasses after cataract surgery?

You will not harm your eyes by wearing your old glasses. However, you may prefer not wearing them since, in most cases, your vision will have improved after surgery, in particular your distance vision.

What happens if you move your head during cataract surgery?

Intraoperative head drift causes two problems during cataract surgery: loss of centration of the operating microscope; and loss of focus. The latter is caused by the eye not only drifting to the side but also posteriorly as the patient's head turns.


Can I watch TV after cataract surgery?

Several hours following the surgery, most patients are able to watch some television or look at a computer screen for a short period of time. It's important however that you don't over-exert your eyes during the first 24 hours post-surgery. You can expect to return to most normal activities during the first week.

What is the most common complication after cataract surgery?

A long-term consequence of cataract surgery is posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO is the most common complication of cataract surgery.

Do you wear your own clothes during cataract surgery?

Wear comfortable clothes and avoid cosmetics.

You'll be given a gown to wear over your clothes and will not need to get changed for the procedure. Avoid wearing any makeup, perfume or cologne, aftershave, spray-on deodorant, or hairspray to the surgical center.


Can I brush my teeth before cataract surgery?

Yes, it is ok to brush your teeth prior to cataract surgery. If you have been asked to fast prior to the surgery, you should use as little water as possible and try to not drink anything during or after brushing your teeth.

Should I shower before cataract surgery?

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE Either the night before or the morning of surgery, you should take a shower with antibacterial soap (such as Dial) and wash your hair with your regular shampoo.

How do they keep your head still during cataract surgery?

Tape the patient's head to the operating room table before starting the surgery. I use paper tape to gently hold the patient's head in place during the procedure. Place it over the forehead and use a tape that is gentle and will not damage delicate skin.


How long to wear eye shield at night after cataract surgery?

Wear your eye shield at night or while napping so you don't rub your eye while sleeping. Your doctor will tell you how many nights to do this. For most people it's from 1 to 7 nights.

What I wish I knew before cataract surgery?

Here are some things that you may want to avoid before and after cataract surgery to ensure that you heal properly. Avoiding eating and drinking before your surgery. Don't wear makeup to the surgery appointment, and avoid wearing makeup until your ophthalmologist allows it so that you can better prevent infection.

Is your face covered during cataract surgery?

The operation is carried out with you lying as flat as possible; we will make you as comfortable as we are able. Various drapes will be placed over your face and shoulders to keep the operation area clean. You can still breathe normally. You will need to keep still and not talk during the surgery.


Why are patients awake during cataract surgery?

The procedure itself usually lasts less than 15 minutes and is virtually painless. Typically, patients are awake during cataract surgery. This eliminates risks associated with general anesthesia (where you are “put to sleep”) and enables Our Doctors to communicate with you during your procedure.

How long will my eye hurt after cataract surgery?

Many people complain that they feel like there is sand in the eye or that the eye feels scratchy after surgery. This is a normal sensation caused by the small incision in your eye, and it should heal within a week or so. If you have dry eye, the discomfort may last longer—up to three months.

How soon can I wash my face after cataract surgery?

Washing Your Face and Hygiene after Cataract Surgery

You can resume activities such as washing your face the day after surgery, as long as you are careful to not touch the eye. You shouldn't splash water directly on your face and instead, use a washcloth to carefully clean.


How do you wipe your eyes after cataract surgery?

Use boiled water and cool it (distilled water) to clean the operated eye. Dip a cotton ball or gauze piece in this water and gently clean the eye margins and eyelid. Swipe the cotton across from the inner corner (near the nose) to the outer corner of the operated eye. Look up and gently wipe off any sticky discharges.

Can you drink water the morning of cataract surgery?

EVERYONE: No solid food for 6 hours prior to your surgery. No thick liquids after midnight (Milk, cream, orange juice, prune juice.) Up to 2 hours before surgery, we encourage you to drink clear liquids (coffee, tea, apple juice, water, soft drinks or meat broth.)