Housework after cataract surgery: What you can & cannot do
Cataract surgery is a common and highly successful procedure that restores vision by removing a clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial one. While recovery is generally smooth, taking proper precautions is essential to ensure the best results. One common question patients have is: “When can I resume housework after cataract surgery?” In this blog, we will guide you on what household activities you can and cannot do after the procedure to ensure a safe and smooth recovery.
Why is rest important after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, your eye needs time to heal. Any strain, excessive movement, or exposure to dust and chemicals can increase the risk of complications such as infection, swelling, or delayed healing. That’s why it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid activities that may put stress on your eyes.
Household activities you can do after cataract surgery
Although rest is important, you can still engage in some light activities that do not strain your eyes or require heavy lifting. Here are a few safe household tasks you can perform:
1. Light cooking
- You can prepare simple meals but avoid activities that expose your eyes to smoke, steam, or splashes.
- Use protective eyewear if necessary, especially while frying or chopping onions.
2. Wiping surfaces & dusting (with caution)
- Use a damp cloth to wipe surfaces instead of dry dusting, which can release particles into the air.
- Wear protective glasses to avoid dust irritation.
3. Sorting laundry
- Folding and sorting clothes is fine, but avoid lifting heavy laundry baskets.
- Delegate washing and drying tasks to avoid excessive bending and exposure to detergent fumes.
4. Using a dishwasher
- You can load and unload light dishes, but avoid scrubbing vigorously or handling hot steam.
5. Light walking & Pet care
- Gentle walking inside the house is beneficial for circulation.
- If you have pets, ask someone else to clean litter boxes or take them for walks.
Household activities you should avoid after cataract surgery
Certain activities can increase pressure on your eye, expose it to harmful particles, or lead to accidental injuries. Here are some tasks to avoid:
1. Heavy lifting & Strenuous activities
- Avoid lifting heavy objects, including furniture, laundry baskets, or grocery bags.
- Strenuous activities can increase eye pressure and slow healing.
2. Sweeping, mopping & vacuuming
- These activities stir up dust and particles that can irritate your eyes.
- If necessary, wear protective glasses or ask for help.
3. Washing clothes by hand
- Excessive bending, scrubbing, and exposure to detergent may cause eye strain and irritation.
4. Gardening & Outdoor cleaning
- Soil, pollen, and dust can enter your eye and lead to infections.
- Avoid mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or trimming plants.
5. Cooking over open flames
- The heat, steam, and smoke from stoves and ovens can irritate your eyes.
- Use an exhaust fan or delegate cooking tasks when possible.
6. Using chemical-based cleaners
- Cleaning products with strong fumes can cause eye irritation.
- If cleaning is necessary, choose mild, fragrance-free products and use a mask.
7. Bending too much
- Avoid frequent bending as it increases pressure on your eye and can slow down healing.
- Use a grabber tool or ask for help to pick up items from the floor.
How long should you wait before resuming housework?
The recovery period varies for each patient, but here’s a general timeline:
- First 24-48 hours: Complete rest. Avoid any housework or unnecessary movement.
- 1 week post-surgery: Light activities like walking and basic tasks (folding clothes, using a dishwasher) can be resumed.
- 2 weeks post-surgery: If your doctor approves, you can start light dusting, cooking, and sorting laundry.
- 4 weeks post-surgery: Most normal housework can be resumed, but continue avoiding heavy lifting and intense cleaning.
- 6 weeks & beyond: Full recovery is usually achieved, and most activities can be resumed with caution.
Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding your specific condition and healing progress.
Tips to make housework easier during recovery
- Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to ask family members or hire temporary assistance for heavy tasks.
- Use protective eyewear: If you must perform any cleaning task, wear glasses to protect against dust and irritants.
- Organize your home before surgery: Arrange frequently used items at an accessible height to avoid bending and straining.
- Take breaks frequently: If you feel tired, rest your eyes and avoid prolonged activity.
- Maintain a clean, dust-free environment: This reduces the risk of infections and irritation.
Conclusion
Housework after cataract surgery should be approached with caution to prevent complications and ensure smooth healing. While light activities are permissible, heavy lifting, exposure to dust, and excessive bending should be avoided. Following your doctor’s recommendations and taking necessary precautions will help you regain your vision safely and comfortably.
If you have any concerns regarding your recovery, contact Krisha Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad for expert guidance.
Author bio
Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari, an esteemed ophthalmologist with over 10 years of experience, leads Krisha Eye hospital in Ahmedabad with a commitment to advanced, patient-centered eye care. Specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Maheshwari has performed more than a thousand successful surgeries. Her expertise lies in phacoemulsification, a technique recognized for its precision in cataract treatment.
Dr. Maheshwari’s educational journey includes an MBBS from Smt. NHL MMC, a DOMS from M & J Institute of Ophthalmology, and a DNB in Ophthalmology from Mahatme Eye Bank Eye Hospital, Nagpur. She also completed a fellowship in phacoemulsification at Porecha Blindness Trust Hospital, further enhancing her surgical skills. In addition to her work at Krisha Eye Hospital, Dr. Maheshwari serves as a consultant ophthalmologist at Northstar Diagnostic Centre.
Under her leadership, Krisha Eye Hospital aims to bring all superspecialties under one roof, offering comprehensive eye care solutions for all vision needs.
FAQs
You can start light activities like wiping surfaces, folding clothes, and using a dishwasher after one week, but always consult your doctor first.
Sorting and folding laundry is fine, but avoid lifting heavy baskets or hand-washing clothes to prevent strain.
No, sweeping and mopping stir up dust and can strain your eyes. Wait at least 4 weeks before resuming these activities.
Light cooking is safe after one week, but avoid standing near open flames, steam, or hot oil.
No, bathroom cleaning involves chemicals and bending, which should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks post-surgery.
Use damp cloths for cleaning, avoid dry dusting, and wear protective glasses if needed.
No, avoid lifting heavy bags for at least 4 weeks to prevent eye strain.
Yes, but avoid bending too much or lifting heavy laundry loads.
No, pushing or lifting furniture can put excessive pressure on your eyes.
Most housework can be resumed after 4-6 weeks, but follow your doctor’s advice.
It’s better to use a dishwasher if possible. If you must wash dishes manually, avoid splashing water into your eyes and use lukewarm water.
Avoid dry dusting, as it can stir up particles that may irritate your eyes. Use a damp cloth to wipe surfaces instead.
No, vacuuming can expose you to dust and requires bending, which is not recommended for at least 4 weeks.
Be gentle and avoid getting water directly into your eyes for at least one week. Use a soft cloth to cleanse around your eyes carefully.
Yes, but wait at least 2-3 days after surgery. Keep shampoo and water from getting into your eyes.
Light adjustments to your bed are fine, but avoid excessive bending or lifting heavy mattresses for at least 4 weeks.
Yes, but avoid excessive leaning over the ironing board. If ironing tires your eyes, take frequent breaks.
Avoid carrying heavy garbage bags for at least 4 weeks. Ask someone else to handle this task if possible.
Yes, but take it slow and ensure proper lighting to avoid missteps.
No, full recovery takes about 4-6 weeks. Gradually resume activities as advised by your doctor.
