Cataract surgery is a safe procedure designed to restore clear vision by replacing a cloudy natural lens with an artificial one. Recovery involves specific care instructions. A common concern among patients is the potential impact of crying after surgery. This article addresses concerns about crying after cataract surgery and provides clear information for a smooth recovery.
The Physiology of Tearing and Eye Pressure
Tears are naturally produced by the lacrimal glands to keep the eyes lubricated and protected. There are two main types: basal tears, which constantly provide lubrication, and reflex tears, produced in response to irritants or strong emotions like crying. Crying involves the expulsion of these reflex tears, often accompanied by muscle contractions around the eyes and face.
A common worry is whether crying significantly increases intraocular pressure (IOP), the fluid pressure inside the eye. Crying can cause a temporary, slight increase in pressure due to muscle contractions, but this elevation is minimal and transient. This temporary change is not significant enough to damage a healing eye after modern cataract surgery. The internal fluid system of the eye, which maintains its pressure, is separate from the tear production system.
Potential Effects on the Surgical Site
The most significant concerns regarding crying after cataract surgery relate to the integrity of the surgical incision and the overall healing process. Modern cataract surgery uses small, self-sealing incisions in the clear cornea. These incisions close naturally without sutures and are robust. The likelihood of these self-sealing wounds reopening solely due to the act of crying is extremely low.
The primary risk associated with crying is not the tears themselves, but rather the involuntary actions that may accompany crying, such as rubbing or touching the eye.
Rubbing the eye can introduce bacteria from the hands, increasing the risk of infection in the healing surgical site. It can also exert physical pressure on the incision, potentially disrupting the delicate healing tissues or, in rare cases, dislodging the newly implanted intraocular lens (IOL). Tears themselves are sterile, so the fluid is not a direct source of infection. However, excessive tearing could wash away recently applied post-operative eye drops, reducing their effectiveness in preventing infection and controlling inflammation.
Managing Tears and Post-Operative Care
If you feel emotional or find yourself crying after cataract surgery, there are safe ways to manage tears without compromising your healing eye. Instead of rubbing your eyes, gently dab the tears away from the outer corners of your eye with a clean, soft tissue, allowing them to run down your cheek. Avoid direct contact with the eyelid or the eye itself.
It is important to adhere strictly to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, particularly regarding eye drops. If excessive tearing occurs and you suspect that prescribed eye drops may have been washed away, consult your surgeon or their office for guidance on whether to reapply them. These drops prevent infection and manage inflammation, both important for a successful recovery.
Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms after crying or at any point post-surgery. These include:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Significant changes in vision
- Increased redness
- Unusual discharge
- The sudden appearance of flashes of light or new floaters
While crying is a natural human response, managing it safely ensures the best possible outcome for your vision.