Housework to Avoid After Cataract Surgery

While the recovery period after cataract surgery is relatively short, there are still certain things that you shouldn’t do in the first days and weeks afterward. It can be tempting to rush things, but for the optimal speedy return to full health, you should refrain from actions that put unnecessary pressure on the eye.

Housework is one of these things. 

Domestic Chores Can Wait (or get someone else to do them for you)

• The housework chores to avoid after cataract surgery: days 1-7
• The housework chores to avoid after cataract surgery: weeks 2-4
• Getting back to normal: weeks 4-8

The housework chores to avoid after cataract surgery: days 1-7

Ladies and gentlemen… This is your chance to truly put your feet up and let someone else do all the chores for you… The first few days after your cataract operation it’s crucial that you don’t put any excess strain on the eye muscles. Bending and lifting not only causes the muscles to strain, it also changes the intraocular pressure and raises the risk of post-op problems. 

Therefore, you should avoid the following:

• Strenuous activities, such as hoovering.
• Lifting heavy objects, such as rubbish bags, bins, etc. Even lifting a full kettle should be avoided for the first 48 hours.
• Mopping and dusting where you might be encouraged to bend or lean forward.
• Changing bed linen.
• Leaning over to clean the bath.
• Cooking.

This final one might come as a bit of a surprise, but it’s all to do with avoiding infection. Standing over a hot stove provides airborne elements the opportunity to enter the eye and raises the infection risk. If you can’t bear not to cook, try to avoid it for at least the first 48 hours. After that, be sure to wear your eye shield to help create a barrier.

The housework chores to avoid after cataract surgery: weeks 2-4

After the first week, you can begin to glide gently back towards some household chores. However, you should still avoid anything that makes you bend down or lift anything too heavy. For example, lugging the vacuum cleaner up the stairs or leaning over to scrub the bath is best left a little longer…

Getting back to normal: weeks 4-8

By this time your recovery will be such that you’re raring to go. However, you should still be mindful that your eye won’t yet have completely healed. A little patience at this point will stave off the increased risk of issues, such as a dislocated lens, that might require further intervention. Don’t worry, those pesky household chores will still be ready and waiting in a few weeks. Plus, let’s face it, there’s not many times you get a valid reason to say that you’re simply going to do them another time or rely on someone else to do them for you…

Once you’re fully recovered and fully benefiting from your wonderfully restored vision, you’ll have plenty of time to get stuck in once again. All surgery requires a sensible recovery period, and a cataract operation is no exception…

Cataracts Blighting Your Vision? Get the Best Surgical Procedure at the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic

Even though millions of successful cataract operations are carried out each year, it can be frightening to be given a diagnosis. At the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic, our expertise in treating the condition is second-to-none. Not only will you be under the care of one of the world’s best cataract surgeons—Brent Bellotte MD.—but you’ll also be taking advantage of the very latest technology and procedures.

Don’t worry a moment longer. Head to https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com to find out more and call today to book your expert consultation.