As mentioned above, cataract surgery is a relatively commonplace procedure with a minimal recovery time. This article also discusses symptoms and what to expect during and after cataract surgery. Recovery from this procedure can be seamless as you ease back into your daily life. However, surgeons still recommend avoiding sleeping on the side of your operated eye for at least 24 hours. However, choosing the right place isn't always easy. Before lying on your side after cataract surgery, its wise to inquire with your doctor how long you should wait before doing so. After cataract surgery, its usually safe to sleep on your back; however, it is advised not to do so for the first 24 hours afterward. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'sleepflawless_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sleepflawless_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');For the first couple of weeks after your surgery, or until This article discusses what to expect before, during, and after cataract surgery, alongside the risks and potential benefits of the procedure. The procedure can take as little as ten minutes to complete. If the tape runs against the contour, it will be come loose and the eye shield will shift around. For editorial, affiliate and advertising enquiries, please drop us a line. See the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for more information. People can use pillows to sleep after cataract surgery. Blue light can interfere with your circadian rhythm and make getting restful sleep difficult; cataract surgery offers one solution by restoring its natural circadian rhythms. Boyd, K. (2022). I fell in love with the topic, and decided to further expand the site by adding even more articles, so I can help even more people. A cataract cannot grow back following cataract surgery. So, if you had cataract surgery on your right eye, do not sleep on your right side. Cataract surgery today is more advanced than ever, and can produce excellent results. In general, the eye shield tends to be a better solution than other things such as goggles. Most often this includes, but is not limited to, napping, testing how many hours in one night that she can sleep, trying new sleep methods and constantly changing sleep positions. However, they should sleep on their backs to avoid contact between their eye and the pillow. The best position for sleeping after cataract surgery is on your back with your head slightly elevated. While you may have little control over the way you sleep, there are a few things you should do to avoid irritating your eye at night. Ensure that you wear your eye shield as directed and do not take breaks from it, even during the night. Make sure that no water enters your eyes until cleared by your doctor. And welcome to SleepFlawless! People who've had cataract surgery may develop a secondary cataract. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Furthermore, follow all instructions from your ophthalmologist as this will ensure a more efficient healing process. December 2, 2022 Sleep on the back of the eye that was operated on to decrease your risk of infection and irritation after surgery. The most suitable sleeping position after cataract surgery is lying on the back. In particular, all of the following activities should be avoided while a patient is recovering from cataract surgery: As with any healing process, sleep is an essential part of recovering from cataract surgery. When properly placed, the eye shield will completely protect the eye from any excess added pressure in any sleeping position. Use your eyedrops and follow the instructions given on the day of the operation. Cataract in the adult eye preferred practice pattern [Fact sheet]. It does seem to make sense. Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/what-is-posterior-capsulotomy, https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/cataract?sso=y, https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/cataract-surgery, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/surprising-benefit-cataract-surgery-treatment, Exercise may raise stroke risk for people with moderate to severe blocked arteries, Social isolation, loneliness linked to increased risk of all-cause mortality, Intermittent fasting and traditional calorie counting about equal for weight loss, Whole-food, plant-based diet linked to type 2 diabetes remission, How 'natural killer' cells may be a new approach to treating neuropathic pain. It can cause vision to become foggy or blurry. Blinking smears a coat of this ointment over the eye to protect it from drying out. month after the surgery. This includes cleaning the eye, using your eye drops, and taking any pain relief as recommended. Most people can return to typical activities within a few days. By sleeping on your back or the opposite side, you may be able to decrease your risk of infection after surgery. The results indicate that in elderly persons with cataract sleep is improved 1 month after cataract extraction and further improvement during the first 9 months may be experienced. Sleeping Position After Cataract Surgery - eyeFACTS Cataract surgery successfully restores vision in the majority of people who have the procedure. 2023 Eye Surgery Guide. Avoid Rubbing Eyes as well as Touching It To Prevent Infection and Speed Recovery You should also refrain from touching or otherwise irritating the eye, and any potential irritants like touching, touching and other sources. Rubbing the eyes Smoking Drinking alcohol Swimming (including hot tubs) Sleeping After Cataract Surgery As with any healing process, sleep is an essential part of recovering from cataract surgery. London, EC2A 4NE. Learn more about what to do and what to avoid here. The tiny micro-incisions used during cataract surgery just simply dont need them to seal up - they are self-sealing. Beyond that the eyes just gradually get a little bit better with time. This prevents you from rubbing your eye at night, which could cause infections and permanent damage. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) suggests that, after surgery, people need to: It may be best for individuals to sleep on their backs during recovery. Besides, positions that put your head below your waist can also increase eye pressure and should be avoided initially after surgery. Click here to schedule your FREE consultation today. Your surgeon may provide a shield during your sleep that prevents you from rubbing your eye or placing pressure on it; use this until instructed otherwise by your physician. But feel free to be generous with the tape. The vagus nerve and sleep: An introduction to VNS. Getting enough rest and sleep in the days and weeks after your cataract op is vital for the healing process. For those preferring side sleeping positions instead, be wary not to rub their eye or make contact in any way with it while also using an eye shield for protection from irritation or infection. Generally, people can resume some light activities within a few hours of surgery, such as: For the first week after surgery, individuals should avoid the following: Doctors sometimes also recommend avoiding the following activities for up to 2 weeks after surgery: In some cases, people may need cataract surgery on both eyes. Because a persons risk of infection will be higher following any type of surgery, it is extremely important to wear your eye shield following cataract surgery, even when you sleep. Not only should you sleep on your back, but showering or bathing may also help. Its essential that you follow the advice of your cataract surgeon, as this will guarantee optimal healing results and ensure a speedy recovery. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Sleep divorce: The benefits of sleeping in separate beds, How to sleep with a cough: Sleep positions to stop coughing. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sleepflawless_com-leader-3','ezslot_10',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sleepflawless_com-leader-3-0');After cataract surgery it is very common to require reading glasses. One study into cataractsand sleep found the people who had their cataracts removed not only slept better than their counterparts, but their quality of sleep was better too. Many patients ask why our doctors tell them they should avoid sleeping on their side after cataract surgery. Most surgeons advise sleeping on either your back or on the opposite side from where your operated eye was operated to minimize irritation and reduce risk of dust mites and other impurities entering during sleep. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Back sleeping and wearing an eye shield when sleeping after surgery can prevent pressure on the healing eye and decrease the risk of infection. After cataract surgery, you will use an eye shield to protect the eye from any accidental rubbing or pressure. There really are many different ways the eye shield can be taped over the eye. Medical disclaimerYou must not rely on the information provided on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professionals. This can, You don't realize how much you bend over during the day until someone tells you. Practical dos & don'ts following your cataract surgery - Optegra calming techniques such as deep breathing, reading, or any other activities It will also accelerate healing. A doctor will place a shield over the persons eye to protect it while it recovers. Something went wrong while submitting the form. If this is the case, it is encouraged that you take a nap and rest your eyes. Many people wonder why some ophthalmologists tell them that they should avoid sleeping on their side after cataract surgery. As known to most people, excess blue light prevent great slumber. Youll also need to avoid other strenuous positions which might cause pressure for your eye following surgery. What Tests Are Done Before Cataract Surgery? Headed by world-leading cataract surgeon, Brent Bellotte MD., youre guaranteed the highest level of care and the latest cutting-edge treatments available. Your doctor should provide a shield which must be worn at night in order to protect the eyes from irritation or accidental rubbing, while sleeping on ones side should also be avoided in order to reduce pressure on them. Cataract surgery is an increasingly popular solution to improve visual impairment, but getting enough restful sleep post-surgery is essential to its recovery process. However, a person should check with their insurance provider to be sure. Something went wrong with the submission. Most designs of this eye shield have a slight taper at the edge. Elmquist Eye Group will first perform a series of tests to determine the severity of your cataracts, discuss the treatment options with you, and help you decide when the time is right to consider cataract surgery.

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