Cataract surgery is a common and successful procedure, but the post-operative recovery period requires careful adherence to instructions for a successful outcome. Proper rest is a significant part of this recovery, and patients frequently ask about the safest way to sleep in the days following the procedure. Guidance on sleeping position, especially avoiding the side of the operated eye, is a primary concern designed to protect the healing structure of the eye.
The Initial Restriction on Side Sleeping
Patients are generally restricted from sleeping on the side of the operated eye for approximately one week after cataract surgery. This timeframe is when the eye is most vulnerable to external pressure and trauma. The restriction prevents accidental contact, rubbing, or pressure on the recently operated eye while the patient is unconscious.
Surgeons typically advise maintaining this restriction for seven to ten days, though the precise duration depends on the individual’s healing rate and the surgeon’s specific technique. If a patient is undergoing surgery on the second eye, the side-sleeping restriction must be observed again after that subsequent procedure.
Recommended Sleeping Positions
The safest position for sleep immediately following cataract surgery is sleeping on the back. This supine position ensures that no accidental pressure is applied to the healing eye from the pillow or mattress. Keeping the head slightly elevated with an extra pillow can also be beneficial, as it may help reduce swelling and discomfort in the early recovery phase.
If sleeping completely on the back is difficult, the alternative is to sleep on the side of the unoperated eye. For instance, if the right eye was treated, the patient should only sleep on their left side during the recovery week. Using rolled towels or pillows placed around the head can help prevent the patient from inadvertently turning over onto the operated side during the night.
Understanding the Need for Eye Protection
The strict instructions regarding sleeping position are necessary because the surgical site remains delicate during the initial healing phase. Cataract surgery involves creating a small, often self-sealing incision through which the natural lens is removed and an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted. This incision needs time to fully close and regain its strength.
Sleeping on the operated side can cause direct pressure on the eye, potentially stressing the incision site. Even slight pressure can increase the risk of irritation, inflammation, or disruption of the healing process. Pressing the eye against a pillow also increases the chance of introducing foreign particles or bacteria, elevating the risk of infection.
To offer a mechanical barrier against these risks, patients are provided with a protective eye shield. This hard plastic shield must be worn every time they sleep for the first week, including short naps. The shield prevents accidental trauma and ensures that if the patient unconsciously rubs or bumps the eye, the internal structures remain protected.