Dryness and Itching After Cataract Surgery - How Long Does it Last?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 20.5 million Americans age 40 or older suffer from cataracts. While the condition can lead to vision loss, treatment and removal of cataracts is extremely common and routine, particularly among the elderly. At Deen-Gross Eye Centers, we help numerous patients in and around Hobart, IN see better thanks to cataract removal.
After undergoing any sort of eye surgery, some side effects are to be expected. It’s a sign that your eye has been altered during the surgical procedure and that your body is responding to the changes that happened. With that in mind, let’s consider dry eye and itchiness of the eyes after getting your cataracts removed.
How Common Is Dryness and Itchiness After Cataract Removal?
In addition to eye discomfort, dry eye and itchiness or irritation of the eyes are both common side effects after cataract surgery. These issues are temporary and should not be confused with serious complications. Every patient will experience these issues to a certain degree.
How Long Will These Side Effects Last?
Dry eye and itchiness after cataract removal will last for about a month, which is when healing from surgery is usually completed. Keep in mind that patients should notice reduced discomfort, fewer dry eye attacks, and decreased irritation over the course of the first week to two weeks as part of the recovery process.
Since these side effects are a common part of cataract surgery healing, the team at our Hobart eye center would like to offer a few simple tips to ensure patients are comfortable as they go through the healing process.
Carry Artificial Tears with You at All Times
Lubricating eye drops can provide you with essential relief from dry eye attacks. Be sure to carry them with you at all times and to use them any time your eyes feel dry, itchy, or irritated.
Avoid Dry, Smoky, Dusty, and Windy Environments
Your surroundings can increase your risk of experiencing dry eye attacks. If possible, try to stay out of arid, windy, smoky, or dusty places as these tend to exacerbate dry eye as well as eye irritation.
Wear Sunglasses When Outdoors
To help protect your eyes from irritants as well as to prevent acute sun sensitivity, be sure to wear sunglasses any time you are outdoors. They can make a major difference while you are healing.
Don’t Rub Your Eyes
As uncomfortable as your eyes may be, remember that you should not rub your eyes after cataract surgery until you have fully recovered. Rubbing your eyes can harm you as you are healing, and can have negative effects on your vision.
Attend All Post-Op Visits as Scheduled
In order to help manage side effects and ensure that patients are healing properly, patients should attend all scheduled follow-up visits at our Hobart eye care center. We can address issues as they arise and make sure you get the care needed for good vision.
Contact Deen-Gross Eye Centers
If you would like to learn more about recovering from cataract surgery and how we can address your eye care needs, be sure to contact our team of vision correction doctors. The team at Deen-Gross Eye Centers can be reached by phone at (219) 769-8989.
