Many senior citizens will need eye surgery to remove cataracts as they get older to preserve their eyesight. While it’s a common procedure that’s safe for most people, some patients will need help after surgery while their eyes are healing. If you’re caring for a patient after surgery, here are some ways to help him or her.
Lift Heavy Objects
People who have had cataract surgery in Honolulu shouldn’t lift heavy objects after surgery due to the pressure it can put on their eyes. In addition, they shouldn’t bend over so if you are helping a parent or a friend after surgery, do any chores that requires lifting or bending over to avoid injuries to his or her eye. Usually, patients can resume most activities after 24 hours but try to do these chores for the next several weeks for your patient.
Drive
Cataract patients are instructed not to drive after surgery and to wait until their doctors at the Hawaii Vision Clinic clear them for driving. Until this happens, you should plan to run errands for your parent or friend since he or she cannot drive. You may need to take him or her to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, or just getting out of the house while he or she is recovering.
Be a Walking Guide
Although many people do not have issues with walking on their own within 24 hours or so after cataract surgery, others may bump into objects because their eyesight isn’t clear yet. You may need to guide your parent or friend when walking for several days or a few weeks until his or her eye has fully healed. Have him or her take your elbow while walking so you can help him or her avoid bumping into things or falling.
Since cataract surgery is done on one eye at a time, plan to be available twice to help a parent or friend.
