If you have diabetes and need to have cataract surgery, then there are some special precautions you need to take to ensure your eyes heal well after the procedure. Since it is harder for your body to heal well after surgery when you are living with diabetes, taking a bit of extra care will make sure you get a great result from your surgery and can see well again. To heal your eyes after cataract surgery, follow each of these very important tips:

Tip: Don't Expect Clear Vision Right After Surgery

You should expect that right after your cataract surgery, your vision will be blurry or you may see wavy lines. The strange vision often scares patients because they think the surgery damaged their vision. There is no reason for you to fear because your vision will clear up within a day or two. While your vision isn't right, make sure you don't drive because you would be a hazard to yourself and other drivers on the road.

Tip: Don't Rub Your Eyes after Cataract Surgery

Though your eyes may feel scratchy after your cataract surgery, you should avoid rubbing them. Rubbing your eyes can damage your eye tissue. Instead, use your prescribed drops to moisten your eyes

Tip: Avoid Bending Over During the First Day Post-Op

While it may seem strange, when you bend over it places extra pressure on your eyes. For this reason, you should avoid bending over in the day following your cataract surgery. Bending over too quickly or too soon after surgery can tear the tissue where your eyes were operated on.

Tip: Use All of Your Prescribed Medications as Directed After Surgery

In addition to the antibiotic eye drops given to all cataract surgery patients, your eye surgeon will very likely give you a bottle of anti-inflammatory drops. It is important you use both types of drops for as long as your surgeon has prescribed. This is very important because you will likely need to use them for a few weeks to prevent infections and swelling behind the eye, known as cystoid macular edema.

Tip: Call Your Eye Surgeon if You Have Any Complications

Finally, if your vision is not improving or your eyes are excessively red or sore in the days following your cataract surgery, then you should call your eye surgeon for an emergency appointment. This is very important because you are more likely to get a post-surgical infection or suffer from other complications because of your diabetes. 

Contact a company like Leader Heights Eye Center for more information and assistance.

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