Cataract surgery is a procedure that is commonly done to replace the cloudy lens of the eye. Although this surgery is considered safe, there are several postoperative care steps that need to be taken to prevent complications.
The lens of the eye is used to focus light that enters the eye so that it falls on the retina. When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, as in cataracts, vision can become blurry or cloudy.
Cataract surgery is performed by removing the cloudy lens through a small incision in the eyeball and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.
Things to Do after Cataract Surgery
After cataract surgery, the eye will generally feel gritty, uncomfortable, or appear red for a few days. This is normal during the healing period. Usually, these symptoms will disappear and the patient's vision will return to clear within 6-8 weeks.
In order for the recovery process after cataract surgery to go well, there are several treatment steps that can be taken, namely:
- Use eye drops prescribed by a doctor. Make sure your hands are clean before using eye drops. Tilt your head and gently pull the lower eyelid. Drop the medication into your eye, close your eye, and wipe off any excess fluid with a clean tissue or cloth. Keep the mouth of the medicine bottle from touching your eyes or skin, so that the medicine is not contaminated.
- Use the eye patch or protective eyewear provided by your doctor. Blindfolds also need to be used while sleeping for at least 1 week.
- Shower and shampoo as usual. However, eye protection should still be worn to prevent water, soap, or shampoo from getting into the eyes.
- Clean the eyes 2 times a day for 2 weeks, because the healing process and the use of drops can make the area around the eyes sticky. Make sure your hands are clean, then dip a clean cloth in the boiled and cooled water. Gently wipe from the corner of the eye near the nose to the corner of the eye near the ear. Avoid pressing eyes or flushing eyes directly with water.
Things to Avoid after Cataract Surgery
There are several things that need to be avoided during the healing period of cataract surgery, namely:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes or putting pressure on your eyes.
- Avoid doing sports or strenuous physical activity until approved by a doctor.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid using make-up around the eyes for 4 weeks.
- Avoid traveling by plane, unless it has been approved by a doctor.
Risks after Cataract Surgery
Just like any other surgical procedure, cataract surgery also has risks. However, with proper treatment, the risk of these complications can be minimized. The following are risks that can occur after cataract surgery:
- Swelling around the eyes
- eye infection
- Eye bleeding
- Artificial lens shifts from its proper position
- Retinal detachment (retinal detachment)
- Blindness
By taking proper care steps after cataract surgery, it is hoped that the risk of complications can be reduced to a minimum.
If the various complaints after cataract surgery do not go away, the eyes are swollen, feel very sticky, or the vision is not clear after more than 1 week, immediately consult a doctor again.
Written by:
dr. Irene Cindy Sunur
