How Does Alcohol Affect Cataract Surgery Recovery?

There are many things you can do to help recovery after cataract surgery. One of them is abstaining from drinking alcohol in the run-up to and after the procedure.  

But why is that? What does it actually do to the body and how long should you give it up for? The following discusses the most commonly asked questions about alcohol and cataract surgery.

How Does Alcohol Affect Cataract Surgery Recovery and Other FAQs

• The alcohol effect
• How long should I stop drinking for?
• Is it OK to just cut down?

The alcohol effect

Alcohol has many negative effects on the body. These include:

• Dehydration.
• Inflammation.
• Interacting with medications.
• Impaired cognition.

The first of these, dehydration, is especially important. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it causes the body to lose fluid and salt in the form of urine. Being adequately hydrated before, during, and after cataract surgery is vital. This helps with:

• Healthy blood flow: Dehydration causes the blood to thicken. In turn, this can raise blood pressure, increase the risk of blood clots, and crucially, when it comes to the healing process, slows the delivery of nutrients and other substances to the damaged tissues.
• Eye lubrication: Both tear production and how your post-op eyedrops work can be negatively affected by dehydration. Adequate natural lubrication and the medication within the prescribed eyedrops are key elements of a healthy healing process.

Inflammation is also something that can increase your recovery time. Alcohol increases both the short and long-term inflammatory effects within the whole body. This can disrupt the natural healing process—again, causing it to take longer.

Alcohol is a drug—and all drugs interact with others. This includes any prescription medication you take for other medical conditions and those that you’ll be given after your operation. Two of the important components of your post-op eyedrops are anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. Excessive alcohol can reduce their effectiveness, potentially resulting in prolonged healing and increasing the risk of complications.

Lastly, cognitive impairment can affect actions and decision-making. For example, drinking might make you less aware of touching your eye, picking up something heavy, or doing something else that might impair recovery. 

How long should I stop drinking for?

Most surgeons will advise that you don’t have any alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery and 24 hours afterward. However, these are very general guidelines, and the longer you can refrain from drinking—at least during the first few critical postoperative days—the better.

Is it OK to just cut down?

Any reduction in alcohol consumption is beneficial, with abstinence being the gold standard. However, having a glass of bubbly a few days down the line to toast a successful procedure isn’t likely to be hugely detrimental.

Every person is different. The body is a complex dynamic system, meaning each of us has a unique blueprint that drives the healing process. If you’re concerned about alcohol and when it’s safe to drink after your operation, be sure to discuss this with your cataract surgeon.

Want More Advice on How Does Alcohol Affect Cataract Surgery Recovery? Call Our Team Today

At the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic, we want you to have all the information you need about everything cataract-related. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, are preparing for surgery, or are wondering if there’s anything you can do to stave off cataract formation in the first place, we’re here to help.

Questions about alcohol are some of the most frequently asked—and we always address them in practical terms and in a way relevant to your situation.

Discover more about our world-leading cataract care at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com