After cataract surgery, it’s important to sleep in the right position to help your eye heal. This guide will help you find the best possible sleeping position after cataract surgery.
It will also give you tips to help your eye feel better.
Cataract Surgery Recovery Phase
After cataract surgery, your eye will need time to heal. This is called the recovery phase. It can take a few weeks for your eye to heal and your vision to improve.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and take good care of your eye during this time.
What To Expect During Recovery
You might feel a little sore or have blurry vision in the first few days after surgery. This is normal.
Your eye will also be more sensitive to light and may feel dry. These feelings should improve as your eye heals.
You may need eye drops for a few weeks to help your eye heal and prevent infection.
Make sure to use them as your eye doctor tells you.
Rest Is Important
You may need to nap and get some sleep, especially in the first few days.
Don’t Rush The Process
It’s important to avoid all the activities that pressure your eye. Also, avoid rubbing your eye, as it can harm the healing process.
Give your eye time to heal before returning to normal activities.
When Can You Go Back To Normal?
People might feel much better within a few days, but your eye can take a few weeks to fully heal.
You should follow your doctor’s advice and attend follow-up appointments during this time. Your doctor will check if your eye is healing well and if you’re ready to return to regular activities.
Why Sleeping Position Is Important After Cataract Surgery
The way you sleep after cataract surgery is very important. Sleeping the right way helps your eye heal faster.
After the surgery, your eye is still healing and needs protection. Sleeping in the wrong position could put pressure on your eye or make it feel uncomfortable.
This can slow the healing process and make your eye feel better for longer.
It’s also important to avoid rubbing your eye, as this can cause irritation and harm your healing eye.
Best Sleeping Position After Cataract Surgery
After cataract surgery, some sleeping positions are better for your eyes.
Sleeping On Your Back
Sleeping on your back is one of the best ways after cataract surgery. This keeps your eye safe and helps it heal faster.
- Why It Helps: Sleeping on your back stops your eye from rubbing on the pillow or bed.
- Extra Tip: You can use pillows to lift your head a little. This helps with swelling and makes you more comfortable.
Sleeping On The Opposite Side
If you like sleeping on your side, sleep on the side that is not the operated eye. This helps protect your healing eye.
- Why This Works: Sleeping on the opposite side keeps pressure off your healing eye.
- Extra Tip: Use a firm pillow to keep your head in the right position.
Sleeping On Your Stomach
It’s best to avoid sleeping on your stomach after cataract surgery. This can put too much pressure on your eye and stop it from healing.
- Why Avoid This: Sleeping on your stomach could hurt your healing eye, making it take longer to feel better.
Ways To Protect Your Eyes After Surgery
Here are some other tips to help your eyes heal after the surgical procedure:
Wearing Protective Eye Shield
The eye shield covers your eye and keeps it safe from rubbing or hitting anything while you sleep.
- Why It’s Important: The eye shield helps stop your eye from getting hurt at night.
- How To Use It: Put it on before bed and keep it on all night. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear it.
- How To Secure It: Tape the eye shield gently so it stays on all night, but make sure it’s not too tight.
Using Pillows To Stay In The Right Position
If you find sleeping hard on your back, you can use pillows to help. You can place pillows around you to stop you from turning over onto the side with the surgery.
- Why It Helps: Pillows can help you stay in the right position to keep your eye safe.
Getting Enough Rest
Good sleep helps your body heal, including your eyes. Make sure you get enough sleep each night.
- How It Helps: When you sleep, your body gets a chance to help your eye heal faster.
Avoiding Alcohol
Try not to drink too much alcohol while your eye is healing. Alcohol can make it harder for your eye to heal.
- Why Avoid It: Alcohol can stop your body from healing your eye.
Staying Away From Heavy Lifting
Don’t lift heavy things for a few weeks after surgery. This can put too much pressure on your body and hurt your healing eye.
- Why It’s Important: Lifting heavy things can hurt your eye and make it take longer to heal.
Avoiding Strenuous Exercise
Don’t do hard exercise after surgery. Light exercise is okay, but ask your doctor when doing more is okay.
- Why Avoid It: Hard exercise can affect your healing eye and take longer.
Staying Away From Irritants
Avoid smoke, dust, or things that could hurt your eye, like strong chemicals.
- Why Avoid It: Dust and smoke can make your eye uncomfortable and stop it from healing.
Common Questions
When can I start sleeping normally after cataract surgery?
You may return to normal sleeping positions after about two weeks. But it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice. They may suggest you continue sleeping in a specific position for a little longer.
Can I watch TV or use screens?
Yes, it’s okay to watch TV or use screens, but don’t do it too much. Too much screen time can make your eyes feel tired.
Can I use my eye drops before bed?
Yes, you should use your eye drops, even before bed, as your doctor tells you. It’s important to follow the instructions to help your eye heal.
When will my vision get better after cataract surgery?
It can take a few days to weeks for your vision to improve after cataract surgery. You may notice blurry vision at first, but it should get better as your eye heals.
If you have concerns, speak with your doctor.
What should I do if uncomfortable while sleeping?
Try changing your position or using extra pillows for support. Make sure you’re wearing your protective shield.
Is it normal for my eye to feel dry after surgery?
Yes, your eye may feel a little dry or scratchy after cataract surgery. This is normal. Your doctor may recommend eye drops to help with dryness during recovery.
The Bottom Line
If you need help sleeping after cataract surgery, we are here in Melbourne to help! Our friendly team is happy to answer all your questions.
Call Eye Laser Specialists today at 03 9070 5788. We will make sure you feel supported during your recovery.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner.
Sources:
Clista B 2024. 8 Activities to Avoid After Cataract Surgery. GoodRx. Available at: https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/eye/what-activities-should-be-avoided-after-cataract-surgery [Accessed November 12, 2024]
Mukamal R 2022. Cataract Surgery Recovery: Exercising, Driving and Other Activities. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/safe-exercise-driving-cataract-surgery-recovery [Accessed November 12, 2024]
Nurmi D L. 2023. Do’s and Don’ts: Restrictions After Cataract Surgery. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/restrictions-after-cataract-surgery [Accessed November 12, 2024]
