What is considered strenuous activity after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, it’s crucial to give your eyes time to heal properly. While the procedure is quick and relatively easy, following post-operative care instructions can help prevent complications. One key aspect of recovery is avoiding strenuous activity. But what exactly does that mean?
Why avoid strenuous activity?
Strenuous activity can increase pressure in the eye, which may interfere with the healing process or cause complications such as increased inflammation or, in rare cases, damage to the incision site.
Activities to avoid
- Heavy lifting: Lifting objects heavier than 5-10kg can strain your eyes. This includes lifting grocery bags, laundry baskets, or young children.
- Intense exercise: Activities like running, aerobics, and weightlifting should be paused for at least 2-4 weeks, depending on your surgeon's advice.
- Bending over: Bending from the waist can increase eye pressure, especially in the first week after surgery.
- Swimming and hot tubs: Water can introduce bacteria to the eye, increasing the risk of infection. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and open water for at least a month.
Safe activities during recovery
- Light walking: Gentle walks are encouraged as soon as you feel comfortable.
- Reading and watching TV: You can read or watch television, but take breaks to rest your eyes.
- Household chores: Light chores like dusting or washing dishes are safe after the first few days.
Signs you may have overdone it
If you notice increased discomfort, blurred vision, or redness after activity, stop and rest. Contact Professor Paul Ursell if symptoms persist.
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What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★“Excellent result. Complete confidence in Paul Ursell. Quiet, quick, and efficient. Peaceful and comfortable hospital.”
P.T★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The cataract surgery on both of my eyes went very smoothly without any problems. There was no pain afterwards and I didn’t have to wear any eyepatch. I would highly recommend Professor Ursell for cataract surgery.”
M.S★ ★ ★ ★ ★“Highly professional, extremely efficient, and an excellent communicator, Paul exudes experience, knowledge, and ability. The whole process — initial consultation, operation, and post-op check-up — was wonderfully stress-free. I now have 20/20 vision, am glasses-free, and I am delighted by the results.”
S.B★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The cataract surgery has completely changed my life. Mr. Ursell put me at ease and explained all options. The procedure was quick and painless and completely successful, and I now have 20/20 vision in my good eye. One of the reasons I had the surgery was because of Mr. Ursell’s standing and experience. Cannot praise highly enough.”
D.S★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I was very short-sighted and my cataracts badly affected both reading and distance acuity. After the operation I now have very good distance vision (glasses-free) but still need glasses for reading. (This was the expected outcome as I did not want multi-focus implants). The operation was quick and painless, and I had no post-operative discomfort at all (which surprised me). The results are remarkable.
I can certainly recommend Professor Ursell. He is a personable consultant and a skilled surgeon.”
S.D★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Dr. Paul Ursell squashed many of my concerns for not having cataract surgery. He offered comfort with examples of his long/distinguished career and new technology that he applies to the surgery.
Both before and after the surgery, Dr. Ursell and staff gave me the information and attention I needed. It was a great success, and I highly recommend Dr. Ursell.”
PTOWe have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
