You may be prescribed eye-drop medicines to start before surgery. You can wash your hair within a day or two of having your cataract operation. Risks / Benefits. However, you should avoid wearing anything on your face, including makeup, for the first week after your surgery. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. However, you should keep your eyes closed and avoid getting any water or shampoo in your eye, and, its advised that you use a mild or baby shampoo. In addition, you should wear sunglasses when outside on bright days. Showering and washing hair after cataract surgery can be a challenge. If you have any questions or start to experience any adverse effects, call your doctor or seek medical care. Cataract Surgery Recovery: 5 Tips From an Expert Cataract surgery is usually the safest procedure globally and is pretty quick, taking only half an hour to get it done. They can also help you to sleep better. Make sure to avoid the faucet or the shower handle. Showering and washing your hair too soon after the operation could affect both the healing process and be a source of infection. appropriate medical assistance immediately. Following a nutritious diet can help speed up the healing process post-cataract surgery. Be sure to follow your doctors directions for using these drops. The actual surgical procedure from anesthesia to being transported by wheelchair out of the surgical suite took between 1015 minutes!! How Long Does It Take To Recover From Cataract Surgery? How long after the cataract op can I wash my hair? After surgery, its essential to keep your eyes as clean and sterile as possible. If you have to lift, take a break at least once daily. Using a mild and baby shampoo is advised. 3. The majority of people who get cataract surgery see better afterward. To do this, make sure you wear an eye shield. Dark green leafy vegetables are a suitable source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which support good eye health. Preventing your eye from infection after cataract surgery is the number one priority. Even after cataract surgery, your eye needs plenty of time for healing. Most patients can drive within 24 hours of surgery. Last medically reviewed on February 3, 2023. Avoid pressing on the eye or wiping inside the eye. For the first week after the procedure, your vision may be blurry and light-sensitive, and you may have some redness. People are able to watch television, read, or use a computer after cataract surgery. You may shower or bathe when you get home, but avoid getting water in your eye during the first 2 weeks. Eyedrops can also be helpful, but you should clean your hands before putting them in. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following: According to a 2018 research review, people with diabetes are two to five times more likely to develop cataracts than people without diabetes, and at an earlier age. You can safely shower after surgery if you have a corneal shield. Showering and washing hair after cataract surgery . How long after cataract surgery can I shower? - Vision as it is Wearing a guard is also helpful in protecting against dirt and pollutants. Depending on your lifestyle, you might hit the bathroom multiple times per day.. What are the dos and dont after cataract surgery? It might seem your eyesight feels better only a day after the surgery, but the healing process can take as long as a month. With each shower, wash your hair as usual with your normal shampoo. It is best to wait two weeks until returning to swimming. One of the perks of cataract surgery is that you can get back to doing things that are more comfortable than squatting over the toilet. Just like with strenuous activity, bending over can cause a rush of blood to your head that interferes with your recovering eyes. See additional information. Be sure to ask your doctor about precautions you can take, such as those listed above, and proper timelines on when to resume normal daily activities. cataract surgery Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, How to wash your face after cataract surgery, When to contact a doctor after cataract surgery, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery, https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/cataract-surgery, https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/5-top-foods-for-eye-health, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/safe-exercise-driving-cataract-surgery-recovery, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery/recovery/, New clues to slow aging? Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help protect your eye from the sun. Eye specialists recommend a diet high in fiber, whole foods, leafy green vegetables, and lean protein, following cataract surgery. Your ophthalmologist will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions. How Soon After Cataract Surgery Can I Wash My Hair? WebYou can shower or wash your hair the day after surgery. Shower After Surgery When can I wash my hair? Also, you will be asked about any medicines you take. People may find the eye becomes sticky as it heals by using eye drops. It is best to wait two days after surgery before washing your hair. How do you wash your hair after eye surgery? You may have to use eye drops after surgery. The most crucial step is to avoid irritants. Some patients may have a corneal shield placed over their eyes while they sleep. Dont do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few weeks. You should also not drive until the day after your surgery. Sunglasses are an excellent way to protect your eyes from dirt and prevent foreign substances from entering your eyes. Learn more here. The best way to prevent any mishap is you let someone else wash your hair in the sink. All rights reserved. These help reduce swelling in the eye. While age is the biggest factor, some cataracts may develop due to genetic disorders. You may be asked to wear a protective shield over your eyes for the first few days after the operation. You can shower or shampoo after removing the shield the next day after the surgery, but this comes with strings attached. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. During recovery from cataract surgery, be sure to follow your doctors instructions. In the first 24 hours after the procedure, the small incision on the surface of the eye begins to close up. You might end up with cataracts in both eyes, but they usually dont form at the same time. 2: To prevent infection: One of the highest risks of infection comes from touching your eye with your fingers. These include how to shower and wash your hair after cataract surgery. Just make sure your eye is protected at all costs. However, taking care not to cause any damage for the first three or four days is crucial. You will be awake during surgery. Typically, youll need to wait between 1 week and 1 month before you can get cataract surgery in the other eye. Other eye complications like diabetic retinopathy and retinal swelling have also been associated with diabetes. Eye drops will reduce inflammation and help protect your eyes from infection. Try to shampoo with your head tilted back to avoid getting shampoo or water in your eye. Cataracts are cloudy areas that develop on the lens of the eye. And, as with all matters of health and well-being, you should also be aware that you may have to use eye drops to soothe the wound, so its a good idea to stock up on them. Each eye and each person has specific needs, so your eye doctor will provide the best directions for a successful recovery.. Dont wash face with soap as it can enter the operated eye. How do you wash your face after cataract surgery? Avoid head bath for 3-4 weeks. After the surgery, they will take you to a recovery area for 30 minutes. Avoid getting soap and water in your eye. This will increase the pressure in your eye. For example, wear an eye shield when showering or washing your hair. If possible, people should also avoid violent coughing or sneezing. You are having someone bring you home from the hospital is best until you can drive safely. This includes bending over, heavy lifting, and swimming. However, while sleeping you can wear the shield for a week or more for full recovery of the eye. Youll probably want to wear sunglasses during the day, especially on bright days. All Rights Reserved. A common effect of having a new lens placed in the eye is what we call the edge effect. Lets see when you can finally have fresh smelling hair. Were proud to be a team of writers who are truly passionate about all things health.Coming together from all parts of the world, we share a common goal of helping serve many with our comprehensive research and clear writing style. How Long Does the Flickering Last After Cataract Surgery? However, do not go swimming until at least two weeks after the surgery. Can you bend over to wash your hair after cataract surgery, What is the best way to wash your hair after cataract surgery. Showering and Washing Hair After Cataract Surgery shower after cataract surgery Your world often looks brighter after cataract surgery, says Eghrari. But the aftercare procedure usually requires a lot of effort from the patient. These will reduce the discomfort and will help speed up the healing process. It is essential to follow your doctors instructions, so you do not get a nasty infection. After the surgery, youll be asked not to do any strenuous activities for a while, including bending down or heavy lifting something, doing sports, and doing other things. Showering and Washing Hair after Cataract Surgery - Guide Makeup can irritate the eye and cause additional problems. There are a few simple techniques that you can use to shower and wash your hair without fear of water entering your eye after cataract surgery. 24 hours after the surgery you can remove the shield and take shower.