What Strenuous Activities are Off-Limits After Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery generally has a pretty quick recovery time—typically around 6-8 weeks—and you’ll be happily enjoying your newfound vision. During this time, while you’ll be able to do things like watching TV, reading, and using a computer as soon as you get home, you will need to refrain from certain strenuous activities.

What You Can and Can’t Do After Cataract Surgery

• Understanding what strenuous activities are off-limits after cataract surgery
• But you can…

Understanding what strenuous activities are off-limits after cataract surgery

In the first week or so following your operation, it’s important not to do anything that disrupts this fragile part of the healing process. This means the pressures within the eye need to remain as stable as possible. Doing this reduces the risk of the incision in the eye reopening and needing further treatment.

Don’t worry—this isn’t as technical as it sounds. All you need do is the following:

• Don’t lean forward too much or bend over —anything that brings your head lower than your heart should be avoided.
• Don’t forcefully blow your nose.
• Don’t strain or bear down when you open your bowels.
• Don’t pick up heavy objects (yes, you can legitimately have someone else lift the kettle for a few days to make your tea or coffee).
• Don’t run, lift weights, or partake in any energetic sporty activities.

As you progress through the recovery period, you’ll be able to do a little more each day. This is because the healing process is actively taking place, meaning the risk of post-operative injury to the eye becomes less each day.

As well as avoiding activities that might raise the pressure within the eye, you should also refrain from getting water in your eye. So, take a break from your daily ocean dip or pool plunge for a few weeks. It’s also very important that you refrain from touching or rubbing your eye. Be sure to wear the eye patch that you’ll be provided with when you sleep. This will prevent you from accidentally touching it when you’re enjoying those precious hours of slumber.

But you can…

OK, so while that might seem like a whole host of activities you can’t do for a few weeks, let’s not forget that there are loads that you can. Indeed, gentle movements can actively encourage the healing process as it increases the blood flow and oxygenation to the injured eye.

These include:

• Gentle stretching (as long as you don’t bend over).
• Gentle walking on a level surface (don’t go hiking over fields or anywhere you might stumble).
• Isometric seated exercises.
• Using the eye as much as possible. Read, watch the tv, use the computer, change your gaze from near to far, trace outlines with your eyes… 

Your cataract surgeon will give you plenty of information about what you can and can’t do after cataract surgery. After that first crucial week of healing (and as long as there are no post-op complications) you should be able to gradually increase your level of activity.

Contact the WBEC for Your Bespoke Pre-and Post-Cataract Op Action Plan

One of the key features of our incredible cataract care is ensuring that you know exactly what to expect every step of the way. This includes clear and easy advice regarding what strenuous activities are off-limits after cataract surgery—as well as other important recovery information.

From being treated by one of the world’s leading cataract surgeons—Brent Bellotte M.D.—to our incredibly talented support team, you know you’re in safe hands from the moment you first make contact.

Find out more today at https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery/

Cataract surgery generally has a pretty quick recovery time—typically around 6-8 weeks—and you’ll be happily enjoying your newfound vision.

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