Cataract surgery is a common and highly successful procedure that restores clear vision. While the surgery itself is quick, the post-operative period requires a temporary shift in daily habits to ensure proper healing. A full recovery depends heavily on following specific restrictions regarding physical activity and, particularly, housework. Patients must be cautious about when and how they resume chores to protect the delicate surgical site.
The Critical First 24-48 Hours
The first one to two days following cataract surgery are considered the most critical phase for initial healing. During this time, the primary focus must be on complete rest and following the surgeon’s self-care instructions precisely. You should abstain from all non-essential physical activity and housework to allow the eye to begin stabilizing.
This period requires using prescribed eye drops, resting, and wearing the protective shield, especially while sleeping. Activities that involve leaning over or bending down are strictly prohibited, as is rubbing the eye, even if it feels irritated. Exposure to dust, dirt, or any potential irritants must be avoided completely.
Resuming Light Household Chores (The First Week)
Following the initial rest period (typically day three through the first week), patients can gradually introduce very light household tasks. These activities must demand minimal physical exertion and should not require bending below the waist. The goal is to keep the head elevated and avoid any sudden movements or straining.
Safe activities include preparing simple meals while sitting or standing upright, or lightly wiping surfaces above waist level. Folding clean laundry is permitted, provided you avoid lifting or carrying a heavy basket. Continue protecting the healing eye from dirty environments or harsh cleaning chemicals throughout this phase.
Tasks involving repetitive body movement, like scrubbing or reaching high into cabinets, must still be avoided during the first week. The internal incision site requires time to seal properly. Any activity that could introduce dust or require lifting objects heavier than a few pounds remains prohibited.
When to Tackle Moderate and Heavy Cleaning
The transition to moderate and heavy cleaning tasks usually occurs one to two weeks following the procedure, depending on individual healing progress. Activities like vacuuming and mopping involve significant body movement and potential dust exposure, so they should be postponed until after the first week, often closer to the two-week mark. Scrubbing floors, changing heavy linens, or cleaning a shower must also wait until the eye surgeon gives clearance.
Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds for the first two to four weeks post-surgery. This restriction applies to carrying heavy grocery bags, moving furniture, or lifting full laundry baskets. Any task that causes straining or holding your breath should be avoided, as this action temporarily increases pressure within the eye.
Avoid exposure to contaminated water (swimming pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water) for at least one month to prevent infection. For activities like gardening or yard work, which expose the eye to dirt and debris, patients should wait at least two weeks and wear protective eyewear when resuming them. Always confirm with your surgeon before reintroducing strenuous or potentially hazardous chores.
The Importance of Avoiding Straining and Bending
The strict limitations on bending and straining relate directly to the pressure dynamics within the eye. When a person bends over, lifts a heavy object, or strains, blood pressure in the head temporarily increases. This change causes a corresponding rise in the intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye.
Because a small incision was made during the surgery, an abrupt rise in IOP stresses this unhealed site. This pressure increase could interfere with the sealing of the incision or, in rare cases, lead to complications like fluid leakage or dislocation of the implanted lens. Avoiding actions that require the head to be positioned below the waist minimizes this risk.