Cataract surgery is an everyday, straightforward procedure that can restore clear vision, but it is important to follow up with proper care. When you are searching for an optometrist near you, learn about the right steps to ease your recovery and keep your eyes healthy and free from complications. Understanding the dos and don’ts that apply after cataract surgery can lead to the best possible outcome from your surgery, good vision, for years to come.
What Should You Do Immediately After Cataract Surgery?
Your eyes will need to heal after cataract eye surgery. Here are important things to follow:
- Follow medication instructions carefully—use your medication eye drops exactly as prescribed to avoid infection and swelling.
- Wear sunglasses—sunglasses will shelter your eyes from dust, the bright sun, and rubbing your eyes.
- Limit reading and screen time—try not to strain or use your eyes in the first few days with too much reading or screen time.
- Visit your optometrist—follow-up visits are important to see how your eyes are healing and to identify any other problems.
By following these simple steps, you can remain supported with cataract management in SW Calgary, and you can hope that your eyes will heal predictably and without complications.
Things You Should Avoid
Following cataract eye surgery near you, certain habits can interfere with your healing or cause complications:
- Do not rub your eye – Rubbing or touching your eye puts the new lens in a compromised position and can become dislocated or infected.
- Do not strain – Heavy lifting, bending over, or vigorous exercise can cause a lot of intraocular pressure on your eyes.
- Do not swim or go in a hot tub – Swimming introduces bacteria into your eyes.
- Do not put makeup or lotions around your eye – Makeup and lotions can irritate your healing eye because of the chemicals.
You can help with the safety and effectiveness of your recovery from cataract surgery by not doing the above-mentioned habits.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Healing time will vary based on the person. Some patients experience marked improvement after just a few days, while for others, it may take several weeks. Schedule follow-ups with your optometrist in SW Calgary. Look for these recommendations on how you can help your eyes heal more quickly.
- Use eye drops frequently – This will include both antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops, and they will help prevent swelling and infection.
- Get plenty of sleep – Long, quality sleep allows the eyes to repair themselves.
- Stay in a cleaner environment – Stay free of dust, smoke and other irritants.
- Be aware of warning signs – If you have sudden pain, vision loss or increased redness, stay in contact with your optometrist.
Role of Your Optometrist
Your optometrist is an important part of your cataract management in Calgary. After your surgery, a thorough eye exam will confirm that your vision is improving as planned and that there are no complications. Your optometrist can also assist with any new prescription lenses or reading glasses you might need to adapt to (or get used to) while you recover.
When to Seek Further Care
If you have any unusual symptoms such as ongoing discomfort, experiencing sudden flashes of light, or a cloudy appearance in your vision, consider an immediate referral for cataract treatment near you. Prompt attention may help to reduce permanent damage and provide the best opportunity for successful treatment of your eyesight.
Cataract Surgery Recovery Tips and Precautions
Wondering what to do after cataract surgery for faster recovery? Here are some more helpful suggestions:
- Sleep with your head elevated to help minimize swelling.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet to include vitamins A, C, and E to promote eye health.
- Don’t smoke (smoking delays healing).
- Follow each of the instructions given to you by your eye care provider without skipping any steps.
See Clearly Again with Eyedeology Optometry
Post-operative recovery after cataract surgery does not have to be a daunting task. At Eyedeology Optometry, we take you through every part of your recovery. From post-operative exams to individual and personalized recovery advice, our qualified team will help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear, and do so in a very safe way.
Take control of your eye health today!! Book a visit and let’s show you how we can make your post-operative recovery easier and your vision brighter. Stay confident in your recovery and vision by relying on Eyedeology Optometry’s ongoing support.

1 (587) 409-1700