Cataracts can result in blindness, which is why it’s important to get the right surgery if you want to save your vision. However, just like any kind of surgery, there will be a recovery period every patient has to go through, and during this time, they will need assistance from a trusted friend or relative. Although this surgery recovery is relatively straightforward in most cases, if you know someone who is going in for cataract surgery, you should offer your services to them for a few weeks until they are recovered. Here are some tips on how you can assist an individual after their cataract surgery.
Take Them Home
Their vision will be impaired after the surgery, therefore, getting behind a wheel of a car is something that they will be unable to do. Leaving them to get public transport or a taxi home can also be risky, so one of the best ways you can help someone after cataract surgery is by offering them a lift home from the hospital. You can also help them get comfortable once they are through the door so that they can get plenty of rest.
Offer to Do Household Chores
The recovery period for cataract surgery can take 4 to 6 weeks usually, and while the patient might be able to carry out simple tasks, they should be resting more often than not. You can help them out by offering to do some of their household chores, whether that’s laundry, vacuuming, dusting, or taking out the trash. Whatever tasks they struggle with, offer to do this for them to have peace of mind that their home is still a clean environment for them to enjoy.
Cook Nutritious Meals
Another way you can assist a loved one after cataract surgery is by preparing them some delicious, nutritious comfort foods for them to enjoy. Whether you’re staying with them at their home during the recovery period or preparing these meals at your house and delivering them, providing these meals will be greatly beneficial and make it easier for them to maintain a healthy diet without struggling to cook.
Help Cleanse Their Surgical Wounds
The doctor will prescribe eye drops for the patient after the surgery, which need to be taken as directed, but keeping the surgical wound clean is equally as important. Most individuals will be able to do this themselves, but it won’t hurt to offer them some help with this to make sure it is done properly. It is a fairly straightforward process that only requires sterilized water and clean gauze or cotton wool.
Take Them to Follow-up Appointments
Their vision might be improving during the recovery stage, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are ready to get back behind the wheel. If you can, offer to take your friend or relative to their follow-up appointments so that they don’t have to worry about using public transport and can make their appointments on time.
If you want to help someone you care about after cataract surgery, consider the suggestions above and see how useful they will be to aid someone’s recovery.
