Cataract surgery is a common outpatient procedure to remove the natural lens of the eye that has developed an opacification, which is referred to as a cataract. This opacification leads to decreased vision, glare, halos around lights, and blurry vision. Cataract surgery aims to improve vision by removing the natural cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens implant.
After cataract surgery, patients will need to take certain precautions to allow their eyes to heal properly. One of these precautions is wearing an eye shield or eye patch while sleeping for a period of time after the surgery. This helps protect the eye as it heals from any accidental rubbing, poking, or other irritation that could occur during sleep. So how long do you need to sleep with a shield on after cataract surgery?
When to Start Using the Eye Shield for Sleep
Your ophthalmologist will provide you with an eye shield to use while sleeping after your cataract surgery. In most cases, you will start sleeping with the eye shield on the night of your surgery. After your surgery is complete, the surgical team will place a clear plastic shield over your eye before sending you home. This is to protect your eye immediately after surgery.
Once home, you will remove the clear plastic shield they applied and replace it with the eye shield provided by your surgeon. The eye shield resembles an eye patch with a foam-like ring that prevents pressure or irritation on the delicate eye area. Follow your specific surgeon’s instructions on when to begin using the sleeping eye shield, as the timing may vary slightly depending on your individual situation.
How Long to Continue Using the Eye Shield
Typically, you can expect to sleep with the eye shield on for around 1 week after cataract surgery. Many ophthalmologists recommend wearing the shield for 5 to 7 nights in a row after your cataract procedure. Again, follow your own doctor’s specific guidelines on how long they want you to wear the eye protection at night.
It is important to use the shield for the full duration recommended. Not sleeping with the shield long enough could increase the risk of accidentally injuring your eye while it is still in the delicate healing stages. Using the shield for the entire recommended timeframe will provide the optimum protection while you sleep.
Reasons to Wear the Eye Shield While Sleeping
Wearing an eye shield at night serves some important protective purposes after cataract surgery. Some of the key reasons surgeons recommend using an eye shield for sleep include:
- Protects your eye if you rub it vigorously while sleeping. Vigorous eye rubbing can damage the surgical incision or other healing eye tissues.
- Shields your eye from potential scratches or abrasions from pillows, sheets, or your hands.
- Prevents pressure on the eye from tosses, turns, and changes in sleep position. Even normal pressure can irritate the eye after surgery.
- Protects your eye if you experience coughing or sneezing fits during the night. These actions can increase pressure.
- Keeps you from accidentally poking your eye if you are used to sleeping with your hands near your face.
Overall, the eye shield reduces risks that can come from movement and accidents during sleep, when you have less control over protecting your eye.
Tips for Sleeping with the Eye Shield On
Adjusting to sleeping with an eye shield can take some getting used to. Here are some useful tips to help you successfully sleep with the eye protection:
- Place a thick fold of gauze or tissue under the elastic strap or tape of the shield to prevent pressure on the ear or skin.
- Sleep on your back to minimize pressure on the shield and reduce odds of it sliding out of place.
- You can tape the upper and lower edges of the shield to your forehead and cheek using medical tape to keep it securely in place all night.
- Try to relax your mind and not focus on the sensation of the shield touching your face. Tuning it out will allow you to sleep.
- Take any prescribed pain relievers before bed to reduce chances of pain or discomfort waking you up.
- Use an extra pillow to prop your head up slightly to reduce swelling.
- Place a soft nightlight in your room in case you need to get up in darkness.
Let your ophthalmologist know if you have significant issues sleeping with the eye shield in place so they can provide additional recommendations to help you.
When to Remove the Eye Shield
You will need to remove the eye shield to clean the surgical eye each morning. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for proper eye hygiene. In general, guidelines are:
- Wash hands thoroughly before removing shield and touching eye area.
- Gently cleanse surgical eye as directed, often using sterile eyewash and cotton swabs.
- Apply any prescribed eye drops or ointments as directed.
- Clean the eye shield with soap and water, then rinse and air dry while not in use.
- Replace the shield just before sleep each night for the recommended timeframe.
During the day, you can go without the eye shield unless otherwise instructed by your ophthalmologist. Just be very cautious not to bump or rub your surgical eye. Avoid any activity that could cause injury. Wash hands before touching the eye to administer medications. Take care when putting on and taking off clothing around the head and face area.
Signs of Infection to Watch For
Severe pain, discharge, excessive swelling or redness, and vision changes can signify complications and possible infection after cataract surgery. Contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you notice any of the following warning signs:
- Intense pain that medication does not relieve
- Cloudy or yellow/green discharge from the eye
- Feeling of something scraping inside the eye
- Flashing lights or floaters
- Increasing redness of the white part of the eye
- Swollen eyelid
- Sensation that the eye shield is too tight
- Decreasing vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitive to light
Catching infection early is critical, so call your doctor immediately if you have any of these signs after surgery. Often an antibiotic or steroid eye drop is prescribed if infection occurs.
Special Situations Extending Eye Shield Use
Under certain circumstances, your ophthalmologist may advise you to continue sleeping with the eye shield beyond the standard one week timeframe. Reasons your surgeon may extend the length of time to wear the eye cover at night include:
- You have an autoimmune disorder, diabetes, or other health condition that delays healing.
- You experience complications during surgery, like bleeding or eye structure damage.
- Your eye remains significantly swollen or inflamed.
- Your surgical eye seems to be healing slower than expected.
- You work in an environment with lots of particles or debris that could enter the eye.
Follow your surgeon’s recommendations precisely for how long to wear the shield past the normal timeframe if they advise you to do so. Extended use is tailored to your unique healing process and risks.
When Driving Can Resume
After cataract surgery, you will not be able to drive until your ophthalmologist examines your eye and clears you to drive. This is usually at your follow-up visit one day after surgery. Each surgeon has their own policies about driving after cataract procedures.
In general, you can expect that driving will be prohibited in the immediate days after surgery while your eye heals with the shield on. Your doctor will monitor for adequate healing and vision recovery at follow-ups before deciding it is safe for you to drive again. This is usually within the first week, but the exact timeframe varies.
Do not attempt to drive until your ophthalmologist gives you the go-ahead, as vision requirements for driving legally must be met. Have arrangements for transportation until your doctor clears driving at a follow-up.
Final Tips for Sleeping after Cataract Surgery
Here are some final tips for protecting your eye and sleeping comfortably in the nights following cataract surgery:
- Sleep on your back if possible to keep pressure off the eye.
- Use relaxation techniques to fall asleep easily if you are bothered by the shield.
- Keep prescribed pain medicine by the bedside if you awaken with discomfort.
- Place a towel over your pillow to absorb any minor eye drainage.
- Have someone sleep nearby in case you need assistance in the night.
- Keep your follow-up appointment even if your eye seems to be recovering well.
Let your ophthalmologist’s office know if you have any concerns or problems after surgery. They are there to support healing and answer questions. Stick closely to all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions for best results.
Conclusion
Expect to sleep with an eye shield on for around 1 week after cataract surgery, though follow your own doctor’s specific timeline. Wearing the shield protects your eye from rubbing, scratches, and irritation during sleep when you have less control over eye safety. Make sure to remove the shield in the morning and clean the eye area gently. Watch for signs of infection requiring prompt medical attention. Use tips to sleep comfortably with the shield. Don’t attempt driving until your ophthalmologist examines your eye and clears vision for driving ability. Following all postoperative instructions carefully supports proper healing after cataract surgery.