Poor eyesight that can increase the risk of falls. You may have heard that cataract surgery can be helpful. Even though this surgery for seniors can restore vision, it can be stressful. Stress is something that seniors should avoid. Regardless of whether you’re having surgery soon, or you know someone who will be having cataract surgery, you need to put yourself in the best position possible to recover. Learn more about what seniors should do after a cataract surgery.

Types of Cataract Surgery

In general, there are two main types of this surgery. The first is called phacoemulsification. During this procedure, the doctor will make a small incision on the side of the cornea. Then, he or she will insert a device to emulsify the clouded lens before removing the smaller pieces by suction.
The other type of cataract surgery is called extracapsular surgery. In this type of procedure, the doctor makes a longer incision in the cornea. Then, he or she removes the clouded lens in a single piece instead of breaking it up.

What Are the Risks of Cataract Surgery for Seniors?

Cataract surgery is something that is performed regularly. Therefore, the risks are minimal. On the other hand, anytime surgery takes place, there are risks. Some of the risks of cataract surgery include:

• Inflammation and infection during and after the procedure.
• Bleeding from the eyes during and after the procedure.
• Swelling after the procedure.
• A possible dislocation of the artificial lens.
• Risk of other vision complications such as glaucoma or retinal detachment.
• Experienced eye surgeons will follow standard procedures to minimize these risks.

What To Expect Before Surgery

There are several things you should expect before surgery. These include:

• You may experience clouding of your visual field, which is one of the main signs of cataracts.
• You may also notice that your glasses are not working as well as they did before.
• You should expect your doctor to review the exact steps of cataract surgery with you.
• You should also expect your surgeon to talk to you about what the table recovery process will be like after the procedure is done.
• Your doctor should also clarify expectations for how your vision will recover following the procedure.

This is your opportunity to ask questions. Make sure you ask any and all the questions you have before the procedure.

Recovering from Cataract Surgery

How to recover from cataract surgery, there are several important points you should keep in mind. Learn more about what seniors should do after a cataract surgery.

Things To Avoid After Surgery

There are several things you should avoid doing immediately after surgery. These include:

• Do not drive for at least 24 hours after cataract surgery. You probably will not be able to see very well immediately after the procedure.
• Do not wear any makeup. Makeup can dramatically increase your risk of infection. You don’t want to put make up anywhere near your surgery incisions.
• Avoid performing any strenuous activity. This could increase your blood pressure, placing your eyes at risk.
• Do not rub your eyes. This could harm your recovery.

Methods for Aiding Recovery

If you are wondering about what seniors should do after a cataract surgery, some of the tips include:

• Always take your eye drops as instructed by your doctor.
• Try to wear your eyes Shield every night for at least a week.
• Always wear sunglasses when you go outside.
• Avoid stress in your eyes for the first couple of days.
• Have help around for daily activities.

If you keep these tips in mind, you should expedite the recovery process.

How Long Until Vision Returns

Every surgery is different; however, you should expect your vision to return in one to three months after the surgery. If you have questions about how your vision is progressing, you should talk about this with your eye surgeon. That way, you can put yourself or your senior loved one in the best position possible to recover.

Get Ready for Surgery

Cataract surgery has a high success rate. It can dramatically improve a senior’s overall quality of life. Every surgery comes with risks, but make sure you talk about them with your doctor. If you decide to go through surgery, make sure you understand what to expect during the recovery process. Call us, and one of our senior advisers will find the best solution for you!