What Should Patients Avoid After Laser Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the world. But we're dedicated to helping our patients regain and preserve their vision. So, we're proud to offer the most advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques, including laser cataract surgery, which allows virtually unmatched precision to minimize risks and recovery period.

This safe, clinically proven treatment method can help you win back your life and visual freedom, so please don't hesitate to explore your options today at Palm Beach Eye Center in Lake Worth or Delray Beach, FL.

How is laser cataract surgery performed, and what are its advantages?

Laser cataract surgery surpasses older versions of this procedure in terms of effectiveness, safety, and results. One of the ways it does so is through advanced imaging capabilities, which create a detailed digital diagram of your eye. This ocular map then guides the bladeless laser incision, allowing increased delicacy and accuracy to give you a better recovery outcome and minimize the risk of tissue damage, procedural complications, and infections.

Through the precise incision, made on the outermost portion of the eye (the cornea), our specialists can access the clouded eye's lens. Breaking down cataracts also requires fragmenting the lens, but we'll replace it with a clear, synthetic, and durable intraocular lens, or IOL. Your state-of-the-art IOL will provide you with instantly clearer vision and immunity from future cataracts since it is made of a synthetic material that does not deteriorate. Additionally, depending on your choice of IOL, we can resolve other ocular issues, such as refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism).

What should patients avoid after laser cataract surgery?

Patients should avoid overstressing their eyes after undergoing laser cataract surgery. Rest is of the utmost importance to allow your eyes to heal properly. Our advanced, laser-based technologies have reduced the recovery period, though patients generally take some days off of work after their procedure.

While your eyes are healing, it's vital that you avoid anything that could cause damage, infection, or irritation. Your eyes will be exceptionally sensitive right after your procedure, so we suggest that patients do not watch TV or read for the 24 hours following their laser cataract treatment.

It's also crucial to avoid rubbing your eyes, even though you may experience blurry vision for 5 – 7 days after your surgery, as inflammation and other post-procedural effects dissipate. Patients should also steer clear of certain activities, such as gardening, dusting, and swimming, which increase the odds of some irritant, object, or substance getting into the eye.

Patients should also avoid engaging in strenuous activity, though we'll give you a specific timeline for returning to daily activities. The total recuperative period may be 4 – 8 weeks or so, but it varies by patient. And you can help yourself enjoy an optimal outcome by wearing the provided eyepatch, applying the prescribed eye drops, and attending follow-up appointments so we can assess your progress.

Regain clear vision with laser cataract surgery

Cataracts can rob patients of their vision and daily freedom, and no other condition causes as many cases of blindness as cataracts. This age-related ocular disorder can develop as the eye's proteins break down and clump together. Yet our cutting-edge techniques can reverse this unwanted effect to help you regain your visual acuity and get back to doing things you love. To explore your options for better vision, contact us at Palm Beach Eye Center or visit us in Lake Worth or Delray Beach, FL.