At Chapel Hill Ophthalmology, we have been providing residents of Chapel Hill, NC with reliable eye care services for many years. This includes cataract surgery. Cataract eye surgery is fairly straightforward and patients usually go home immediately after. However, like many other surgeries, it’s important to avoid engaging in strenuous activity immediately following the procedure. Our eye doctor will assess your condition to determine how long you should wait before resuming strenuous physical activity. Generally, we stick to the following guidelines.
Why Wait Before Engaging in Physical Activity?
While cataract eye surgery is a simple procedure with high success rates, it is best to allow the body and the eyes to heal. Some reasons you should wait to recover are:
- Your vision may be blurry for the first few days
- Minimize chances of infection
- Eye strain can cause eye pressure leading to post-op complications
Exercising After Cataract Surgery
The tenderness and discomfort that develop after the procedure settle within a few days. You can engage in moderate exercises like stretching and walking. However, you should avoid exercises that can put a strain on your head, e.g. bending downwards or putting your head below the waist. Here’s a brief overview:
Week 1
Low-impact physical activities are safe after one week of recovery. They include:
- Light household chores
- Walking outdoors
- Gentle stretching
- Walking on a treadmill
Week 2
Our doctor may allow you to perform moderate-level activities including:
- Jogging
- Slow dancing
- Yoga
- Brisk walking
Week 4-6
By this time your eyes have fully recovered and you can probably engage in intense physical activities. However, it’s important to check with our doctors first. Such activities include:
- Running
- Weightlifting
- Intense cycling
- Swimming
Contact Our Eye Doctor in Chapel Hill, NC for Cataract Eye Surgery
For more information on exercising after cataract surgery or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor, call Chapel Hill Ophthalmology today at (919) 942-8701.