Blog post by: Eye Physicians of Long Beach
Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes cataracts and aims to restore vision. Following your procedure, your eye may feel itchy.
However, you’ll need to avoid eye rubbing to ensure your eye heals fully and prevent certain complications. Keep reading to learn more about cataract surgery and why it’s bad to rub your eye when healing from the procedure!
What is Cataract Surgery and How Does it Improve Your Vision?
A cataract forms when the naturally clear lens becomes hardened and cloudy over time. Cataracts will gradually prevent light from passing through the lens, causing symptoms such as blurry vision, light sensitivity, halos, and glare.
Eventually, if left untreated, cataracts can significantly impact your vision. Your ophthalmologist will likely recommend cataract surgery when cataracts make it difficult to perform simple day-to-day activities and enjoy your favorite pastimes.
Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. It’s a quick procedure that entails removing the cloudy lens and implanting an intraocular lens (IOL) in its place. Once in place, the new IOL restores clear vision.
What Happens After Cataract Surgery?
Once your cataract procedure is complete, a shield will be placed over the operated eye to protect it as it heals.
You’ll also be scheduled for your first follow-up appointment. Your ophthalmologist may also prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops and provide detailed post-surgery care instructions for a smooth recovery.
Then, you will need to have a friend or a family member take you home. You may experience temporary side effects such as a gritty sensation in your eye, itchiness, irritation, and mild discomfort.
What Causes Itchiness after Cataract Surgery?
The changes made to your eye during cataract surgery can cause some temporary dry eye and itchiness. Itchiness and mild discomfort can also happen after cataract surgery but usually goes away on its own.
Additionally, the surgical incision and prescribed eye drops may cause irritation on the surface of your eye, resulting in the urge to rub your eyes. The wind and dust can also trigger or worsen itching when you’re outdoors.
Can You Rub Your Eyes After Cataract Surgery?
You’ll want to avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye after cataract surgery to aid the healing process and prevent complications. The grittiness can tempt you to rub your eye to make the sensation stop.
But as part of your post-op instructions, don’t rub your eye even if it feels irritated or itchy. As uncomfortable or itchy as your eye may be, resist the urge to touch or rub it, and here are the reasons why:
Eye Infection
Eye rubbing after cataract surgery could increase your risk of infection. Your eye is especially prone to infection as it heals, and rubbing it with your hand can introduce harmful bacteria. Some bacterial infections can be severe and even sight-threatening.
Reopen Healing Incision
During cataract surgery, the surgeon creates a tiny incision in the cornea to remove the cloudy lens and implant a new IOL. There is usually no need to suture the small incision.
It takes some time before the incision completely closes and heals. Rubbing your eye can interrupt this process and cause the incision to reopen.
This could slow your recovery, prevent the incision from healing properly, or lead to vision problems.
IOL Dislocation
During your cataract procedure, the surgeon carefully places the new IOL in the correct angle and position to ensure the best visual outcome. Eye rubbing post-surgery could dislodge the newly implanted IOL.
If that happens, it may impact the clarity of your vision, and you might even require another surgical procedure to reposition the IOL.
Corneal Abrasion
Your eye is particularly delicate after cataract surgery. As a result, vigorous rubbing can cause corneal abrasion.
A corneal abrasion or a scratch on the cornea could delay your recovery and make you more likely to develop an infection. If you experience distorted vision, redness, swelling, eye pain, or unusual discharge after rubbing your eye, contact your ophthalmologist right away.
These could be signs of potential complications.
How Long Should You Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes after Cataract Surgery?
Many eye doctors recommend not rubbing the eyes for at least a month following cataract surgery. You should experience less discomfort, irritation, and itching during the first two weeks after cataract surgery.
The itchiness and dry eye typically go away within a month. If your symptoms persist beyond that, get in touch with your ophthalmologist.
It’s generally safe to rub your eyes months after your cataract procedure. Even then, rub your eyes gently using clean hands to avoid causing irritation or transferring bacteria.
Which Safe Alternatives Can Relieve Eye Discomfort?
You can reduce or relieve itchiness and discomfort while avoiding eye rubbing with these tips:
Apply Lubricating Eye Drops
Your eye doctor may provide you with lubricating drops. You can alleviate itchiness and soothe irritation by applying these eye drops.
Wear Your Eye Shield
Wearing your protective shield while sleeping and napping for the first week of recovery can prevent accidental rubbing.
Invest in Wraparound Sunglasses
Wear wraparound sunglasses whenever you’re outside to protect your eyes from irritants such as the wind and dust.
You can apply the compress for a few minutes at a time and as regularly as needed to calm the irritation.
Attend all Your Follow-Up Appointments
To ensure your eye is healing properly and manage side effects, attend all post-op visits.
Gain Crystal Clear Vision with Cataract Surgery
Understanding the importance of avoiding eye rubbing can promote a successful recovery. Cataract surgery at Eye Physicians of Long Beach is a quick and effective procedure that can restore clear vision.
Our experienced ophthalmologist will provide personalized recovery instructions to ensure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Would you like to learn more about the postoperative period?
Are cataracts affecting your ability to see clearly? Schedule your cataract screening at Eye Physicians of Long Beach in Long Beach, CA, today to find out if it’s time for cataract surgery.