What Not to Do Three Weeks After Cataract Surgery: A Realistic Recovery Guide !

Support Raymond During Cataract Recovery

Raymond is a local Big Issue vendor recovering from cataract surgery with complications. While he heals he cannot sell on the streets and needs help to cover rent and appointments.

Every bit helps — donations keep Raymond housed and able to attend vital follow-up appointments. Thank you for your support. 🙏

 What Not to Do Three Weeks After Cataract Surgery: A Realistic Recovery Guide.

If you've recently had cataract surgery — or you're supporting someone who has — it's important to understand that healing doesn't end after the first week. Even by week three, your eye is still recovering, and pushing it too soon can increase the risk of complications.

I recently had cataract surgery myself, and as someone who works as a Big Issue vendor — standing outside for long hours — I’ve learned firsthand how critical it is to respect the healing process.

Below is a list of things not to do around three weeks after surgery, based on both medical advice and real-life experience.

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🚫 1. Don’t Rub or Touch Your Eye

Even if your eye feels itchy, dry, or irritated — resist the urge to touch or rub it. This can dislodge the lens implant or introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.

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🚫 2. Avoid Dusty, Dirty, or Windy Environments

Your eye is still vulnerable to irritants like wind, dust, and pollution. If you work outdoors (like I do), your doctor may advise you to stay off work longer to avoid exposure. It's inconvenient, yes — but it’s worth it for your long-term vision.

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🚫 3. Don’t Lift Heavy Items or Do Strenuous Work

Avoid anything that involves:

• Heavy lifting

• Straining

• Bending over for long periods

These activities increase pressure in your eye and can slow down healing or cause complications.

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🚫 4. Stay Out of Pools, Hot Tubs, and Saunas

Even if you feel fine, don’t swim or use hot tubs yet. Water can introduce bacteria into your eye — and with your incision still healing, that’s a risk not worth taking.

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🚫 5. No Eye Makeup Yet

Eye makeup (like mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow) can carry bacteria and irritants. Most surgeons recommend avoiding it for at least 4 weeks — or until you get the all-clear at your follow-up appointment.

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🚫 6. Don’t Skip Your Eye Drops

Even if your eye feels great, keep using your prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops exactly as directed. Stopping early can lead to inflammation or infection, even weeks after surgery.

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🚫 7. Avoid Driving Without Medical Clearance

Everyone heals at a different pace. Some people may be cleared to drive early, but others may need to wait until their vision has stabilized — or until they get new glasses. Always follow your surgeon’s advice.

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My Personal Experience: Why I’m Still Off Work

As a Big Issue vendor, my job requires me to be outdoors for long hours — exposed to wind, sun, and pollution. At my three-week check-up, my surgeon advised me to take another four weeks off to protect my healing eye.

It wasn’t easy to accept more time off, but protecting my sight for the long term is more important than rushing back to work too soon.

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✅ Final Tips for Week 3–7 Recovery

Do continue to:

• Wear sunglasses outdoors (ideally wraparound UV-protective)

• Use your eye drops as prescribed

• Rest your eyes when needed

• Attend all follow-up appointments

• Wash your hands before touching near your eye

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Listen to Your Surgeon — and Your Body

Healing from cataract surgery is usually smooth, but it’s not something you want to rush. Everyone’s situation is different, so always follow your doctor’s instructions — even if you feel like you're ready to return to normal life.

Protect your sight. Take the time you need. Your eyes will thank you.