Can I Use Artificial Tears After Cataract Surgery?

After the age of 50, many of us find that our natural eye lubrication (AKA, tears) loses quality. This raises the likelihood of your eyes feeling gritty, tired, dry, or even excessively watering. Activities, such as driving at night and too much screen time can exacerbate this. 

The answer is to use artificial tears—lubricating eye drops that effectively soothe away these symptoms.

Many people ask if they can continue to use them after a cataract operation—and, if so, how soon afterward can they do so? 

Everything You Need to Know about Artificial Tears Post-Cataract Surgery

Can I use artificial tears after cataract surgery? Yes, but you might not need to at first…

Using artificial tears once you’re fully recovered 

Can I use artificial tears after cataract surgery? Yes, but you might not need to at first…

Artificial tears can be useful in the days and weeks following a cataract removal—especially if you experience grittiness and excessive watering.  

However….

Your consultant will prescribe drops that you’ll need to use in the first crucial post-operative period. Not only do these have lubricating qualities, but they also contain vital medication to prevent infection and reduce pain. Therefore, while it’s good to have artificial tears on standby, you’ll probably find that while using the prescribed eyedrops, there’s no need for anything else. 

It's vital to follow exemplary cleanliness procedures when introducing anything into the eye. After cataract surgery, this becomes even more relevant. While the tissues naturally heal quickly in this sensitive region, the trauma that occurs during the operation provides an access route into the interior chamber of the eye. Avoiding infection is essential—and you can prevent this by:

• Thoroughly wash your hands before and after cleaning the eye and using the eye drops.
• Keep the eye drop bottle as sterile as you can. Replace the cap immediately after use and keep the bottle in a clean environment.
• Don’t touch the end of the eye drop bottle with your fingers.
• If someone else is administering your eye drops (sometimes it’s easier for someone else to do it for you), then be sure they also perform excellent hand hygiene.
• When cleaning the eye, use new, clean cotton balls dipped in clean water and only wipe across the skin once. If you need to do it again, use a new ball.

Using artificial tears once you’re fully recovered 

Once you’re past the recovery period, if you find that you still suffer from gritty, watery eyes, then artificial tears could well become your best friend. They can be purchased at the drugstore without a prescription. 

Indeed, even during the first few days and weeks after cataract removal, because they don’t contain medication they’re fine to use. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, then artificial tears are not the answer and you’ll need to contact your cataract surgeon for appropriate treatment. 

• Reddening of the eye
• Excessive soreness
• Extreme irritation
• Swelling
• You become sensitive to light
• Increasingly blurred vision

These are indicative of a problem that requires clinical intervention. If any one or more occurs, then contact your eye surgeon without delay. 

Artificial Tears, Cataract Surgery, & Other FAQs: Contact the WBEC Today

At the West Boca Eye Center, we know that you’re going to have a gazillion questions about your cataract treatment. We do our utmost to make sure that all the most FAQs are satisfactorily answered when you entrust us with your treatment. After all, cataract operations are something we do daily—but it’s a one (or two) time-only experience for you.  

That’s why we not only provide the very best clinical expertise… Our patient information and customer service are second-to-none as well.

Head across to https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery for more information and call our friendly team today.

After the age of 50, many of us find that our natural eye lubrication (AKA, tears) loses quality. This raises the likelihood of your eyes feeling gritty, tired, dry, or even excessively watering.