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
Masks Required
Per the Washington State Health Department masks are still required to be worn by all patients and staff regardless of CDC recommendations.
Since we perform exams in close proximity we appreciate all patients wearing their masks appropriately for the entirety of their visit to protect our staff and families.
Thank you!