Postoperative cataract care

The purpose of this leaflet is to provide patients with recommendations for the postoperative period of cataract surgery.

After cataract surgery:

• you may experience eye irritation, mild redness and watery eyes;

• avoid catching a cold;

• keep the eye clean and wash the eyelids and eyelashes with caution;

• use a sterile cotton pad moistened with boiled and cooled water to clean the eye;

• avoid getting the fibres of the cotton pad in the eye;

• do not press on the operated eye;

• avoid getting water in the eye while showering or washing your hair.

After cataract surgery, the eye needs follow-up treatment with eye drops:

• 5 times a day in for the first week;

• 4 times a day in for the second week;

• 3 times a day in for the third week;

• 2 times a day in for the fourth week;

• once a day in for the fifth week.

From the sixth week onwards, eye drops must be instilled in the eye, which can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy.

To administer eye drops:

• wash your hands;

• tilt your head back or lie down;

• bring the bottle close to the eye;

• look up and pull down the lower lid;

• press the bottle gently to release one drop;

• do not allow the tip of the bottle to touch the eye;

• close your eyes and blink a few times.

If necessary, ask someone to help you administer the eye drops.

For two weeks after cataract surgery, you should avoid:

• working in a bending position;

• lifting weights over 3 kg;

• steam saunas;

• taking hot baths.

After cataract surgery, you are allowed to:

• watch TV and use a computer within reasonable limits;

• read;

• go for a walk;

• do light housework and needlework at home;

• take a shower.

Contact the Centre of Emergency Medicine of East Tallinn Central Hospital (Ravi 18, Tallinn) as soon as you experience:

• sudden deterioration of eyesight;

• pain in the eye;

• severe redness in the operated eye.

ITK1006

This information material has been approved by the Eye clinic on 01.01.2024.