Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Under Insurance- 100% Cashless

Exercise Recommended After Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery

Regular exercise is an important part of managing diabetes and promoting overall health, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding exercise after diabetic retinopathy surgery. Generally, it’s best to start with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling. These activities are less likely to cause strain or impact on the eyes and can be a good way to increase the activity level gradually after surgery.

In addition to regular exercise, eye exercises can also be helpful in managing diabetic retinopathy. Here are some eye exercises that may be recommended by the doctor or eye specialist:

• Eye relaxation exercises: These exercises involve relaxing the eye muscles by focusing on distant objects or taking breaks from close-up work.
• Eye movement exercises: These exercises involve moving the eyes in different directions, such as up and down or side to side. They can help improve eye muscle strength and flexibility.
• Focusing exercises: These exercises involve focusing on objects at different distances to help improve the eyes’ ability to adjust and focus.
• Blinking exercises: Blinking exercises can help improve eye moisture and reduce dryness, which is common in people with diabetic retinopathy.

It’s important to work with your doctor or eye specialist to determine which exercises are safe to perform after the surgery. 

Dos & Don’ts To Follow After Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery

Here are some general dos and don’ts patients should follow after undergoing surgery for diabetic retinopathy. 

Dos

• Apply cold compresses to the affected eye as it helps reduce swelling and discomfort after surgery. Do this several times a day for the first few days after surgery.
• Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. 
• Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV rays and bright light, which can irritate the eyes after surgery.
• Take your medications as prescribed to help manage pain and prevent infection. 
• Protect your eye from injury by wearing a protective shield throughout the day, especially while sleeping. 
• Rest and sleep well to keep the eyes moisturized and prevent dry eyes. 
• Resume watching TV and other digital screens when the doctor approves. 

Don’ts 

• Rub or Touch Eyes: It’s important to avoid rubbing or touching your eye after surgery, as this can irritate the eye and increase the risk of infection.
• Get Water or Soap in Eyes: Avoid getting water or soap in your eye after surgery, as this can increase the risk of infection.
• Drive or Operate Machinery: After surgery, the vision may be blurry, or the depth perception may be affected, so it’s important to avoid driving or operating machinery until the vision has fully stabilized.
• Smoke or Drink Alcohol: It’ll be best to avoid or quit smoking and alcohol consumption, as they can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications after surgery. 
• Ignore Symptoms: If any new or worsening symptoms after surgery, such as pain, redness, discharge, or vision changes, appear, it’s important to contact the doctor immediately. These symptoms could indicate a complication that requires immediate medical attention.
• Overexert Yourself: Avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting or anything else that could strain the eyes or put pressure on them. Also, avoid driving and dusty environments. 
• Use Eye Makeup: Using eye makeup or other cosmetics near the eyes can increase the risk of infection after surgery. It’s best to avoid using eye makeup for several days after surgery or until the doctor permits.
• Skip Follow-up Appointments: If the patient skips the post-op appointments, some signs of complications may go undiagnosed, which can result in vision loss. Therefore, it’s crucial to attend the scheduled follow-up appointments.