Can I Ride My Bicycle After Cataract Surgery?

Introduction

Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure used for improving cloudy vision, and it is relatively quick. Furthermore, the pain and discomfort of cataract surgery usually subside shortly after the procedure. Your vision clears quickly, and it will be completely healed about eight weeks after surgery.

Although you may start a light activity like walking after cataract surgery, you will need to put any strenuous activity like exercise on hold for about a week after surgery. This article will talk about whether or not you can ride a bicycle after cataract surgery and some safety precautions to follow.

What is Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a procedure used for restoring cataract-related vision loss. The surgery involves the replacement of the clouded lens inside your eye with a clear artificial lens. The best thing is that cataract surgery is painless, and the procedure takes about 15 minutes.

It is also an outpatient procedure, so you don’t have to stay overnight in a hospital. Although you may be hesitant about the surgery at first, cataract surgery is among the safest and most effective surgical procedures.

When Can I Return to Exercising?

You may experience minor discomfort from cataract surgery, but it should only last for a few days. However, this can tempt you to go back to your normal activity level, but it is best to wait for about a week before doing any strenuous activity like heavy lifting.

Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5-10 pounds and always keep your head above your body. Furthermore, you will need to have a follow-up appointment with your eye doctor about a week after surgery. You can then talk about when to return to normal activities. Also, ensure that you follow all instructions and recommendations that your doctor gives you for recovery.

Resuming Activity

Here is a video showing when you can resume activity after cataract surgery (courtesy: CVC: Custom Vision Clinic):

You can start light activity within a few days to a week of the surgery. However, you can only do light walking, stretching, and activities where you do not place your head lower than your body. It is best to take things easy for a few weeks before you ease back into regular activity.