Can I Exercise After Cataract Surgery?
October 24th, 2023
Many people find that since they can see much better after cataract surgery, they’re immediately eager to resume their lives. However, healing needs to be their first priority.
Keep reading to learn more about recovery from cataract surgery, including when you can exercise!
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy due to the natural aging process. A healthy lens is flexible, colorless, and transparent.
When the lens becomes hardened and cloudy or opaque, this affects light passing through the eye, making vision dim or blurred. Since cataracts are part of the natural aging process, everyone will develop them eventually.
The only way to effectively restore vision affected by cataracts is to have cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is very safe and often a simple procedure.
It’s one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the world. During cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon will make a small incision in the front of your eye.
Through the opening, the cloudy lens in your eye is removed. To take its place, your cataract surgeon will insert a new lens, called an IOL or intraocular lens, to restore your vision.
You’ll see even better than before once your post-surgery recovery is complete.
What Should I Do During My Recovery From Cataract Surgery?
The amount of time it takes to recover from cataract surgery will vary from person to person. However, you should be able to resume most of your everyday activities within a week or two.
Here are some things to remember during your recovery:
Avoid Increasing Eye Pressure
In the first couple of days after cataract surgery, it’s important that you don’t bend over or put your head below your waist. This can increase eye pressure and cause problems with healing.
Reading, Viewing, Watching
You should be able to read, look at a screen, or watch television within several hours of surgery. Some initial blurriness is typical.
Your brain and eyes will take time to adjust to your new lens.
Resuming Activities
Driving, exercising, and other daily activities should be put on hold until you are given clearance from your eye doctor. Light exercise, such as walking, is normally fine the day after surgery.
However, it’s essential that you avoid any strenuous activity, like playing tennis or weightlifting, for at least a week after cataract surgery to prevent possible complications. You will also need to avoid swimming until your eye doctor says it’s okay to do so.
When showering the day after surgery, be careful not to get water in your eyes.
Use Your Eye Drops As Prescribed
Your eye doctor may prescribe you eye drops to use during your recovery period. Make sure to use these exactly as prescribed.
These eye drops will help promote healing and prevent infection during your recovery. Make sure to use them for the entire duration of your recovery period.
Do you want to learn more about recovery from cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!
