Post-Operative Instructions
Immediately After Surgery
- Do not place pressure directly on the eye.
- Do not blot the eye itself.
- Dry any tears with a tissue by blotting very gently on the skin of the cheekbone below the operative eye.
- Wear your eyeglasses or sunglasses for physical protection of the eye.
- If you cannot see out of the lens it is okay to remove the lens itself. We can remove this for you at your post op appointment if desired.
- Take your medication as instructed. Take any glaucoma drops as you regularly do.
- Do not get water directly in the eye for the first week. No swimming in hot tubs, pools, or lakes for 4 weeks.
- Wear the plastic shield over the operative eye for 3 nights (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and whenever you take a nap.
- Do not wear makeup for the first week after surgery
- Vision should steadily improve over the next 6 – 8 weeks.
Normal And Abnormal Symptoms Following Cataract Surgery
NORMAL SYMPTOMS
ABNORMAL SYMPTOMS
- Blurred Vision intermittently
- Watering or blood-tinged tears intermittently
- Mild irritation; sandy or gritty-feeling
- Mild double vision due to anesthesia
- Mild lid drooping due to anesthesia
- Mild light sensitivity
- Intermittent mucus production
- Dilated pupil following surgery including the morning after surgery
These symptoms are considered normal and will taper off as your eye heals. Make sure to take your post-operative drops as instructed.
- Vision that suddenly gets worse; sudden vision loss
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Worsening pain
- Continued double vision
- Flashes of light that are consistent
- Many new floaters
- Veil or shade that blocks vision
- Haloes around lights accompanied by nausea and headache
- Dilated pupil that does not react to light
If you experience any of these symptoms please call the office at 425-778-2500 . If you are experiencing an after-hours emergency please call the office to be directed to Dr. Swedberg.
Activity Timeline Following Cataract Surgery
Same Day As Surgery
Same Day As Surgery
Same Day As Surgery
- Reading
- Walking
- Watching TV
1 Day After Surgery
Same Day As Surgery
Same Day As Surgery
- Dancing
- Fishing
- Air Travel
- Driving (after post op visit)
1 Week After Surgery
2 weeks After Surgery
2 weeks After Surgery
- Aerobics
- Biking
- Bowling
- Golf
- Tennis (with eye protection)
- Jogging
- Light eye makeup
- Sexual Activities
2 weeks After Surgery
2 weeks After Surgery
2 weeks After Surgery
- Racquetball (with eye protection)
- Dental Work
- Swimming
- Other surgical procedures
