Rehabilitation after cataract surgery

The loss of transparency of the lens is called a cataract. The patient complains of a non-passing veil before the eyes, fog, and a decrease in the quality of vision. To eliminate the disease, surgical intervention is required. The operation refers to a serious manipulation followed by a long rehabilitation. To avoid complications and to maintain positive dynamics, the rules and recommendations of the doctor must be followed in the postoperative period.

Rehabilitation after cataract surgery

Despite the fact that a small area is affected during surgery (compared to the body), but here, too, strict compliance with the requirements during the recovery period is mandatory.

As a rule, the time from surgery to complete recovery takes at least six months. The following factors influence the duration and quality of recovery:

• Responsibility of the patient, the accuracy of the implementation of recommendations;
• Stage of cataract;
• Method of surgical intervention.

Stages of the recovery period

After the operation to remove the cataract of the eye, the time comes when it is necessary to consolidate the effect of the intervention and prevent the disease from re-affecting the visual organ. The postoperative period is divided into stages:

• Early. The first 24 hours after being on the operating table. After a day, it becomes clear whether the manipulation was successful, the percentage of its effectiveness;
• First 7 days. Here there is a risk of infection entering the wound, complications, when the position of the intraocular lens is shifted, and other malfunctions;
• First 30 days. According to the law, a sick leave issued to a patient with a cataract gives the right not to go to work for a month while the treatment is in progress. It is believed that this time is enough for the body to recover and be ready for work and physical exertion;
• For another 5 months, a person must follow the recommendations related to the postoperative recovery of the body;

In each case, the duration of the recovery period is a strictly individual indicator and depends on the following factors:

• The age of the cataract sufferer;
• The presence of concomitant diseases;
• The degree and complexity of the form of the disease;
• Method of surgical intervention;
• The quality of the intraocular lens.

It should be noted that modern medicine in the field of eye treatment has stepped far forward, and now, for cataract surgery, the patient does not have to go to the hospital. After the intervention is over, 2 hours pass and the patient can go home. If the operation was difficult, then the patient may have to stay for a day.

After the sick leave has expired, the patient is transferred to outpatient treatment. This means that he, while at home, must continue to undergo the prescribed procedures. The method that was chosen for cataract removal affects the length of the postoperative period.

It is not always possible to fully restore vision, so patients often have to wear corrective glasses.

Types of eye surgery for cataract removal

To combat the disease, one of the proposed methods of surgical intervention is used:

• Laser phacoemulsification. It is used most often, since it gives the fewest complications, does not injure the eyeball so much, minimal interference in the tissues. The crushing procedure takes place through a 2 mm incision;
• Ultrasonic method. Also a popular method that allows you to crush the lens by exposing it to ultrasonic waves;
• Electrocapsular removal. The operation belongs to the medium-traumatic methods. As a result of the intervention, the lens is removed, along with the anterior wall of the capsule;
• intracapsular removal. The most rude way of all listed. The eye lens is removed completely. The capsule is removed with him. Often there are consequences, complications. Many countries have banned this type of operation.

Recommendations of doctors, mandatory for implementation

After the operation, the patient should wait 2-3 hours and only then get up and walk.

It should be noted that during the early recovery period after cataract surgery, and for another 2-3 days, you should not sleep on the side where the operated eye is located.

The next day after surgery, you need to perform the following actions:

1. Remove the bandage, trying not to open your eyes.
2. Take a sterile cotton pad and moisten with a special solution consisting of levomycetin or furatsilin.
3. Treat eyelid gently. At the same time, trying not to rub your eyes, but to make blotting movements.

The bandage is worn only for the first 3 days, preventing infections and dirt from entering the wound. Cataract removal does not result in the need for complete bed rest. You can walk, but observing the recommended loads. If it is cold outside, then it is better to refrain from walking, especially at first, after surgery.

If there is an urgent need to go outside, then the bandage should be made tight so that the eye cannot move. At home, it is allowed to wear a blind bandage: 2 layers of gauze glued to the forehead with adhesive tape.

Postoperative period at home

After the intervention, the eyes should not be irritated - any ophthalmologist or surgeon will give such advice. Therefore, the following rules of conduct at home after cataract surgery:

• Washing, being in the shower or taking a bath, you need to make sure that the soap solution does not get into the sore eye;
• Hair washing should be carried out with the head thrown back, with warm water. If water still gets into the damaged eye, then you should immediately rinse with disinfectant;
• After the operation, lacrimation increases. But you can't rub your eyes. To eliminate excess moisture, take a cotton swab and gently blot the eye;
• You need to visit the doctor strictly according to the schedule. The absence of discomfort is not a reason to postpone the visit. At the appointment, the doctor will independently check the eye using modern equipment.

Use of eye drops

To maintain positive dynamics and reduce the time to restore the eye, it is recommended to drip special drops. These are mainly antibacterial, decongestant drugs. Other types of drugs that have the following actions are also prescribed:

• Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal;
• Painkillers;
• Antihistamines;
• Steroid;
• Stimulating regeneration processes.

But here, too, compliance is required. In the postoperative period after cataract removal, the doctor prescribes several medications. Each should be instilled separately, if the time coincides, then you should take a break of 10 minutes and only then instill the second drug.

Compliance with personal hygiene, washing hands immediately before manipulations, using sterile swabs and napkins is a reliable protection against infection and complications associated with it.

The following eye drops are popular among medical professionals:

1. Solcoseryl.
2. Nevanak.
3. Diclofenac.
4. Dexamethasone.
5. Taufon. Increases the speed of regeneration processes.

The appointment is made only by a doctor.

Nutrition during the recovery period

Here, too, there are limitations. After surgery is done, the body needs strength to recover, which means that food must contain a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

If edema does not subside for a long time in the postoperative period, then it is necessary to reduce the amount of fluid drunk per day. Also reduce the amount of salt. It is recommended to take diuretics. Remove alcohol, spicy and fatty foods from the menu.

In older patients, bowel problems often occur, leading to constipation. Excessive stress can adversely affect the operated eye. Following a diet will help to cope with emerging problems.

Contraindications and restrictions

The success of the operation depends on the postoperative behavior of the patient. There are restrictions on the load after cataract removal of the eye:

• You can not lift heavy, limit physical activity;
• Sharp movements, especially those associated with bending and tilting the head, are strictly prohibited. In order to lift something you need to sit down;
• Staying in front of a computer monitor is allowed only after the eye has fully recovered. But even then work on the computer for no more than an hour, then take a break for 20-30 minutes;
• It will be possible to drive a car after the end of the recovery period;
• Sauna, solarium, bath - prohibited;
• Reduce the use of cosmetics;
• Eyes should not be rubbed and scratched;
• Ultraviolet light can also cause negative consequences in the postoperative period;
• When blowing your nose, try not to create strong pressure on the eye;
• Do not sleep on the side where the operation was performed.

Complications after cataract surgery

Even if the surgical intervention was successful, there is a risk of complications of varying severity.

The following types of consequences are noted:

• The lens has shifted;
• The pressure inside the eyeball increases. This is due to impaired moisture circulation. After the lens is displaced, the moisture inside the apple stops being updated, which can lead to glaucoma;
• Development of a secondary cataract;
• Swelling of the retina, its detachment;
• Inflammation;
• Entry of blood into the structures of the eye.

Compliance with the recommendations, the correct use of medicines will reduce the time for rehabilitation. During this period, visual acuity is restored, the health of the visual organ is restored, and the patient's task is to ensure that the positive effect of the operation is preserved for a long time.