Feeling tired after cataract surgery is a common experience. This sensation of fatigue is a normal part of the body’s recovery process following the procedure. The operation’s systemic effects can lead to a temporary decrease in energy levels.
Understanding Post-Surgery Fatigue
Various factors contribute to the feeling of tiredness after cataract surgery. Even though it is typically an outpatient procedure, the body still undergoes a surgical event that requires energy for healing. Anesthesia, whether local or general, can have lingering effects that cause fatigue for several hours or even a day. The body expends energy not only on repairing tissues but also on adjusting to the sudden change in visual input.
The psychological aspects of undergoing surgery also play a role in post-operative fatigue. Anticipation and anxiety leading up to the procedure can be mentally taxing, depleting energy reserves. Discomfort or mild pain in the eye following surgery can disrupt sleep patterns, contributing to tiredness. The effort involved in processing new, clearer vision can also lead to mental exhaustion, as the brain adapts to the improved sensory information.
Typical Recovery Timeline
The fatigue experienced after cataract surgery is generally temporary and subsides quickly. Most people report feeling tired for the first few days. While individual recovery times can vary, this initial period of increased tiredness usually resolves within a week.
While the eye itself heals over several weeks, the most pronounced fatigue typically lessens within the first few days. Some studies suggest that improvements in sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness continue to occur over several months as the visual system adjusts. However, prolonged or severe fatigue extending beyond this initial period is less common.
Strategies for Managing Fatigue
Prioritizing rest is important for recovering from post-surgical fatigue. Ample sleep and relaxation support healing. Taking short naps throughout the day can help conserve energy. You should avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or intense exercise, for at least a week, as these can increase pressure on the eye and hinder recovery.
Maintaining a balanced diet and staying well-hydrated supports recovery. Preparing meals in advance can be helpful, as cooking might feel too exhausting. Following all post-operative instructions, including using prescribed eye drops and wearing protective eyewear, contributes to a smoother recovery and reduces discomfort.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While some fatigue is normal after cataract surgery, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience sudden changes in vision, such as a decrease in clarity or the appearance of a shadow or curtain in your vision. Increased eye pain, persistent redness, or any discharge from the eye are concerning signs.
Other indicators that require professional evaluation include a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light. A fever, nausea, or vomiting after surgery should prompt a call to your medical team. If your fatigue is unusually severe, persists for an extended period beyond the typical recovery timeline, or seems to be worsening, seek medical advice.