How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?
November is National Diabetes Month, a public effort to bring awareness to what could be called a diabetes epidemic. Diabetes affects your entire body; it can even affect your eyesight. Learn how.
Recovering From Cataract Surgery During the Holidays: Our Top 6 Tips
The holiday season is here, and it’s always busy. However, you’ve had cataract surgery. You’re thrilled that you’ll be able to see the lights, decorations, and mostly your loved ones better than you did before the surgery. But how do you reconcile recovery at a time when numerous celebrations take place?
Our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Stephen Wolchok of Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, uses the latest technology to ensure optimal results after your cataract surgery. However, you play the most crucial role during your recovery — to protect your eyes while they’re healing. At the same time, you want to enjoy the holidays. Here are our top six tips:
Engage significant others in holiday and household tasks
Avoid cooking and cleaning tasks while you’re recovering. If you live alone, enlist the help of family and friends.
You don’t want to risk ruining your surgeon’s work by having grease from your cooktop fly into your eyes. Likewise, dusting and vacuuming can wait; you don’t want dust and debris in your eyes. In addition, cleaning chemicals are harsh and could irritate your eyes.
If you usually host a big holiday meal, now’s the time to make alternate arrangements, whether at one of your children’s homes or the home of another relative or friend. If you’re the cook in your family, buy frozen meals in advance and have family or friends prepare them for you.
Avoid strenuous exercise and get plenty of rest after cataract surgery
You should skip the gym for a few weeks and take a break if you’re a household repair expert. Rest is critical in the first couple of weeks. Enjoy holiday movies and music while you relax on your recliner.
Don’t do heavy lifting for a few weeks after your surgery. It can increase pressure in your eyes. You should avoid bending over for at least two weeks; follow Dr. Wolchok’s written instructions.
Let one of your significant others get the holiday decorations from the attic and put them up this year. If you have a Christmas tree, have them place a box of decorations on your lap while your loved one places them on the tree. When you put on socks or shoes, sit down in a low chair to do it so that your head doesn’t drop down.
If toddlers are part of your holiday, you must take a break from babysitting duties. Don’t try to lift or carry a baby or toddler who could accidentally put a finger in your eye.
Wear your eye shield and glasses as directed
Dr. Wolchok gives you eye shields to protect your eyes during the initial phase of your recovery for at least a week or as directed. The shield aids healing, helps with increased sensitivity to bright light, and protects you from dirt, dust, and pollen in the air during the day. Wear the eye shield at night to prevent rubbing your eyes while sleeping.
After the initial recovery period, wraparound sunglasses help protect you from environmental hazards and light sensitivity. Use these rather than your standard sunglasses until your eyes have healed.
Makeup and water use after cataract surgery
Dr. Wolchok lets you know when to apply makeup safely, including facial powders, after surgery. You should wear an all-natural look after surgery for at least one to a few weeks. You don’t want makeup particles to enter your eyes, which could lead to an infection.
You should wait at least 24 hours to shower after your surgery. You should ensure water doesn’t get in your eyes from showering until Dr. Wolchok tells you it’s safe.
Travel after cataract surgery
In many cases, it’s ok to travel via airplane after about a week or two of recovery. However, it’s better not to take risks after such an essential procedure. Increasing plane turbulence could cause an injury to your eye. You want to avoid being in windy conditions outdoors. If you travel, ask your family to change plans for this year if possible.
It’s better to ask your significant other to drive if you typically drive to a child’s home for the holidays. Your eyes may not have healed enough for you to drive comfortably.
Follow your doctor’s directions
Dr. Wolchok provides written post-op instructions for your cataract surgery; read them before surgery to form a plan for adjusting your schedule afterward. Follow all directions to ensure your best recovery.
Call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, or book an appointment through our online portal today if it’s time for cataract surgery.
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