Post Cataract Surgery Instructions

A cataract is an eye lens which has become cloudy, thus impairing vision. To correct this problem, the cloudy lens is usually surgically removed and replaced with a new lens. This surgery is done on an outpatient basis, and you should follow your surgeon's instructions for post-operative care.

24 Hours Post-Op

• Keep your eye shield or patch on your eye as it is put on by your surgeon to protect your eye. If you need to, you can do light physical activity. Do not attempt heavy physical activity (exercise, aerobic exercise or heavy house or yard work). If you feel up to it, you can eat a normal meal. If you have any post-surgical pain, you can take acetaminophen or any prescription pain medication that has been prescribed by your surgeon. Do not rub your eye even if you feel physical discomfort or feel as if there is something in your eye.
  Do not drive, make important decisions or sign any important legal paperwork for 24 hours after your surgery. Stay away from alcohol or depressant medication. If your doctor has prescribed a depressant medication, take it as ordered. If you drink alcohol or take a barbiturate, your ability to breathe deeply may be affected.
  If you have any unusual pain, discharge or swelling, call your surgeon and explain your symptoms. You will probably have a post-operative appointment with your surgeon the day after surgery.

One Month Post-Op

• Continue to wear your eye patch or shield at night as ordered by your surgeon. If you wear eyeglasses, you can protect your eye during the day with these, but you may not see as well with your old glasses.
  If you wake up with discharge around the eye in the morning, gently remove it with warm water and a clean cotton pad. Do not rub or apply pressure to your eye. When you are cleaning your eye or putting your eye drops in, wash your hands before doing so.
  Continue to maintain a schedule of light exercise. Do not do any form of exercise that involves a bouncing or jarring motion. Do not swim for at least six weeks. When you shower and shampoo your hair, be careful to keep water out of your eye for at least two weeks.
  If you have to bend down to pick up a light object, bend from your knees and lift it that way. You can use your eyes (both of them) to watch television, read and write but your vision might be blurred while you are still recovering. Postpone any dental work, even teeth cleaning, for at least three weeks after your surgery.

Medications

• Your surgeon will prescribe eye drops which you have to put in your eye as prescribed. These eye drops will be Vigamax, which you put in your eye four times a day for one week; Nevanoc, which you will use twice daily until they are gone; and Tobranax, which you put in your eye four times daily until they are gone. When you finish with the Tobranax, switch to Vexol and use these drops four times daily until they are gone. Take all of the medication that has been prescribed for you.
  Your surgeon will give you special dark glasses to wear outside. These will fit over your eyeglasses.