Cataract Removal Questions

Reva · ‎03-09-2010

I'm scheduled for cataract removal in May and have a few questions for those of you who have been through it. How long before you can actually rub your eyes? My dr. said try to keep water out of eyes, be careful washing hair, need to sleep with eye patch for 2 weeks, no heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
I totally forgot to ask how long to wait before wearing eye makeup! A friend of mine said she wore eye makeup the next day and had no eye patch at all. I'll also have an IOL implanted to give me good distance vision but will need glasses for reading. I'd love to hear others restrictions after their procedures, especially if you had it done recently. TIA in advance! Reva

Dragonflyveb · ‎04-29-2015

hi,

I had my cataracts removed, vision and astigmatism corrected about 18 months ago. You will be amazed at how different colors will look! I was shocked at how blue the sky was after the cataracts were gone. Fire trucks were redder, it's pretty amazing.

The surgery was fast and painless, just some bright lights flashing.

I did wear polarized sunglasses home. They told me not to rub my eyes for 2 weeks after surgery. No eye patch, no warning about showering. Right after getting home, my vision was fuzzy, but cleared by the next day. I had my second surgery a week later.

The biggest thing for me now is wearing polarized sunglasses outside because the plastic lens can't adjust to light. But the clear vision and beautiful colors are SO worth it!

Good luck for your procedure

dragonfly

tansy · ‎01-02-2011

I was told to wear the patch for two to three nights. I did not wear eye makeup until I had my final eye check.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I had both eyes done by different doctors many years apart. Right eye wore eye protector to sleep for a few nights and right after surgery for first 24 hours. Left eye, done recently, no eye patch at all to come home or during sleep.

No lifting heavy objects, swimming, or getting water in eye for two weeks....both eyes.

Compounded eye drops for four weeks for both eye surgeries.

I don't wear eye make-up so don't remember how long to wait, but make-up has lots of bacteria, so you don't want to get an infection.

My MIL got an infection after cataract surgery and It was awful. I wouldn't want to play around and take chances.

The surgery is painless and you will be thrilled with your new eye sight. It is 100% worth it. Just follow your doctor's instructions.

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

I had mine done about 13 years ago. The "patch" was more like a guard, not a traditional patch.

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

EVERY person heals differently. Also, your eyes are NOT "twins" -- They are sisters.

My right eye was nearly perfect after 3 days...the left one took 3 WEEKS before I could see clearly.

♥Surface of the Sun♥

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

I am allergic to adhesive...YES, all kinds, even the hypoallergenic... So, I took the plastic thingie OFF, and was VERY CAREFUL...

♥Surface of the Sun♥

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

@Reva wrote:
I'm scheduled for cataract removal in May and have a few questions for those of you who have been through it. How long before you can actually rub your eyes? My dr. said try to keep water out of eyes, be careful washing hair, need to sleep with eye patch for 2 weeks, no heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
I totally forgot to ask how long to wait before wearing eye makeup! A friend of mine said she wore eye makeup the next day and had no eye patch at all. I'll also have an IOL implanted to give me good distance vision but will need glasses for reading. I'd love to hear others restrictions after their procedures, especially if you had it done recently. TIA in advance! Reva

Ask your doctor about rubbing your eyes and makeup.

My experience:

I would not recommend makeup until your eyes heal. You just had eye surgery and would hate to get an infection. My vision is more important than makeup.

You'll also have antibiotic drops. You'll have to go back to the doctor a week or so later so ask about makeup then. It's not life changing to go without eye makeup for a week.

How vision stays or changes after cataract surgery is different for each person. I still wear lineless bifocal glasses. I can watch tv or something like that without glasses but need them for driving and reading.

I just closed my eyes when washing my face and hair and didn't have any problems.

Major Shopper · ‎06-21-2010

@Reva I had each of my eyes done about 5 years ago, 2 weeks apart.

I agree with everyone here. You will be amazed at what you have been missing when you see the difference post-surgery!

I came here to let you know that they will probably tape a plastic eye shield over the surgical eye. The tape may cover your EYEBROW. Please be careful when removing the shield. They have a tendency to "rip" off the tape and take eyebrow hairs with it!

Just an FYI.

Do not worry or be afraid of the surgery. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Best of luck!

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

This is a very timely post for me--have an appointment to check out my cataracts as my optometrist said mine are "ripe". Going at the end of this month.