A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens which is usually clear. With cataracts, you may face problems with vision including feeling like you’re looking through a foggy window.
It is possible to live a normal life even if you have cataracts for a very long time though. Ideally, you may only be recommended a cataract surgery in Singapore if the condition has advanced considerably and now begins to impact your daily activities like reading or driving at night.
The cataract surgery itself involves removing the cloudy lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. During surgery, an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) will make a tiny incision in the eye to break up the cloudy lens and remove it.
They will then proceed to insert the new artificial lens, which will stay in the eye permanently. This surgery is usually quick.
And impressively, you may be able to see improvement in your vision almost immediately. It’s also a highly successful procedure. On this page, we clarify how many days of rest you may need after your cataract surgery.
How Many Days of Rest is needed after Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery involves the removal of the lens of your eye, something which may make it sound rather complex. So, before your cataract surgery in Singapore you may want to ask; how many days of rest are needed after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, it’s advisable to take one to three days off work to rest. Everyone heals differently though but many people who visit our clinic for cataract Surgery in Singapore report improved vision within 24 hours.
In fact, it is possible to resume many normal activities within a couple of days. But, full recovery may take about a month.
The most important thing to do is to follow your doctor’s advice for a complete recovery. Speaking of following your doctor’s advice for a complete recovery, here is a quick summary of some of the basic things to observe in the first fourteen days to help with your recovery;
- Avoid Swimming and Hot Tubs: Water in swimming pools and hot tubs may contain bacteria that can lead to complications. To prevent infections, it is best that you refrain from swimming or using hot tubs until your eye has fully healed.
- Protect Your Eyes from Irritants: Stay away from environments with high levels of dust, wind, pollen, and dirt. This is important because these elements can irritate your eyes and complicate the healing process.
- Do Not Drive Immediately: While cataract surgery in Singapore isn’t as complicated, it’s advisable not to drive until at least the day after your surgery. This is important as your vision may be temporarily impaired after the procedure so you will want to wait until you feel comfortable and your vision has stabilized.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Well, your eyes may feel a little itchy following the procedure. But it is best that you resist the urge to rub or touch your eyes as this can introduce bacteria to the eyes. As you understand, introducing bacteria to your eyes especially after the procedure will increase the risk of infection. Please consult with your doctor for proper management if you experience itching or discomfort.
- Wear Sunglasses: You will also want to protect your eyes from bright sunlight especially in the first few weeks after surgery. This helps to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays and promotes healing. You can do this by wearing sunglasses when outside.
- Limit Heavy Lifting and Strenuous Activities: Avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous activities that could strain your eyes. Importantly, follow your doctor’s recommendations for resuming normal activities based on your recovery.
- Avoid Eye Makeup and Face Cream/Lotion: To prevent contamination and irritation, refrain from using eye makeup and consider avoiding face cream or lotion around your eyes. Again, it is best to follow your doctor’s instructions for when it’s safe to resume the application of makeup and face cream/lotion.
What not to Drink after Cataract Surgery?
Apart from the amount of rest needed after your cataract surgery in Singapore, you will also want to keep an eye on what you eat or drink to avoid complicating your recovery. With this in mind you may also wonder; what not to drink after cataract surgery?
The thing you should not drink after cataract surgery is alcohol. This is because it can weaken the immune system. What’s more, due to alcohol’s dehydrating effect on the body, it can dehydrate your eyes and complicate your recovery process even more.
Instead of alcohol, try to drink more water to stay hydrated. It is actually recommendable to drink about 2 to 3 liters of water per day after your cataract surgery to speed up the recovery process. In addition to not drinking alcohol, here are a few other foods you should not eat after a cataract surgery;
- Refined carbohydrates: Foods like white bread and white rice are low in fiber and nutrients. Due to this, they can potentially slow down your healing after cataract surgery. Instead of refined carbohydrates, choose whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat bread.
- Tobacco: Smoking can significantly increase the risk of post-surgical complications. It can also increase your risks of infections, and of course, delayed wound healing. So, it’s crucial to avoid smoking. This is particularly crucial during the recovery period.
- Added sugar: Excessive sugar intake can lead to inflammation, which can hinder the healing process. Instead of added sugars, go for naturally sweet foods like fruits instead of foods with added sugars.
Closing Thoughts
While you may need just about 2 to 3 days rest from work after your cataract surgery in Singapore, there are more essential self-care practices you will want to observe to ensure the best treatment outcomes. If anything is unclear, always check with your provider to be sure.
If you’re contemplating cataract surgery in Singapore, we invite you to get in touch with Dr. Chelvin of Chelvin SNG Eye Center to arrange for your assessments and treatment. To proceed with the appointment scheduling, connect with Dr. Chelvin at;
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
#06-25,
Singapore 329563
+65 6334 2282
https://www.drchelvinsng.com/
