How long after cataract surgery can my father go back to normal activities?

✓ Accepted answer

Your father can typically resume most daily activities within 48 hours, but a full return to gardening requires approximately one week of caution.

• First 24-48 Hours: The most critical period for healing. He must avoid bending over, lifting anything heavier than 5-10 pounds, or rubbing the eye. He should sleep on his back or the opposite side to prevent pressure on the surgical site.
• Days 3-7: He can walk, read, and use the computer. However, he should still avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or gardening. The iris (colored part of the eye) is still settling, and sudden movements can cause irritation or inflammation.
• Week 1-2: Most doctors clear patients for light gardening around day 7-10, provided there is no irritation. He should use short-handled tools to avoid bending at the waist, which increases eye pressure. Wearing sunglasses is essential, as the eye will be sensitive to bright light and wind.
• Follow-Up Care: A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within one week to check intraocular pressure and healing. He must strictly use his prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops on schedule.
• Safety Considerations: Since he lives alone, consider having a family member check on him during the first 48 hours. He should also avoid driving until he has been cleared by his ophthalmologist and his depth perception is stable.

admin · 2026-09-30 20:00:06