After your cataract surgery

On a daily basis we are asked by our patients and/or their family members about the post-operative care that a patient should carry out after their cataract surgery. This topic is always emphasized by us in our clinic, and today we would like to use this prestigious newspaper to bring this knowledge to one and all due to the number of cases operated on weekly at the MCMH and by various programs such as Vision Now. {{more}}

Thanks to new techniques, the invention of intraocular lens and, above all, the use of small incision without suture, the operated eye will be in condition to support almost any type of activity within forty-eight hours after the surgery. This has led to forgetting about those old recommendations where the patient could not raise their arms, look at television, hospitalization etc. Nevertheless, it is recommended that in the first days after surgery it is necessary to avoid intense physical efforts, sudden movements of the head, sleeping on the same side of the operated eye and you should not drive a motor vehicle.

You can, however, read, look at television, travel, and walk (not run!), stoop (not to lift weights) bathe yourself and cook. On removal of the eye patch the following day after your surgery, you should stick to the regimen of eye drops (anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic) as prescribed by your ophthalmologist.

How to apply the drops properly: tilt head back, pull lower lid down, let drop fall in the middle of this lid, close the eye gently for 1-2 minutes then blink. DO NOT RUB THE EYE. These eye drops may be applied one after the other without any time in between. Use your normal analgesic (pain-killer) such as Panadol, Paracetamol and Tylenol for post operative discomfort; AVOID ASPIRIN as this may increase bleeding in the eye.

Over 95% of patients operated on will have improved vision after cataract surgery with prospects of a new life. It is very important to contact your ophthalmologist without delay if you experience any of the following changes: pain not relieved by normal analgesics, sudden drop in vision, mucopurulent discharge, increased redness and/or injury to the eye. Remember to protect your eyes with sunglasses (shades) and remember that our friendly staff is here to help and answer your questions.

Dr Pedro A. Ferrer Suarez Consultant Ophthalmologist (MCMH) Member of the National Cataract Surgery Team of Cuba

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