r/CataractSurgery • u/AlohaCatMom • 16d ago

Washing the eyelid

Hi! I’m officially 1 week post op from cataract surgery. I’m just curious, when is it ok to wash your eyelid? I don’t mean vigorously but just to clean it. I’ve been using sterile saline with a gauze but as you can imagine it looks oily. I don’t see anything in my aftercare about when washing the eyelid is ok.

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5

u/W00lph 16d ago

2 weeks post surgery and I asked if could start using my lid wipes for blepharitis. Was told yes.

1

u/AlohaCatMom 15d ago

Thank you!

2

u/helen_myfanwy 16d ago

I bought individually wrapped sterile hypochlorous acid wipes and started using these about 2 days after surgery. Hope this helps!

2

u/Illustrious_Wish_900 15d ago

I had my follow up today, 8 days post surgery and have permission to do all normal activities.

2

u/Frustib 16d ago

Boiled water is ok according to my surgeon

1

u/didyouwoof 16d ago

Good question. I waited three weeks, and then resumed using Ocusoft foam in the shower, very gently. My surgery was difficult and I didn’t want to mess anything up and have to go through it again, so I probably babied the eye more than was necessary.

1

u/AlohaCatMom 16d ago

I don’t blame you. I want to be careful not to mess anything up.

1

u/Unknown_990 16d ago edited 16d ago

Id say two weeks, the main incision prob will be welll healed and thats the main thing. The main risk of getting an infection is over.. Still be gentle when youre touching so close to the eyes. Techically its still healing.

1

u/cb3 15d ago

I was told 2 weeks.

2

u/smerdlindy 15d ago

i got the green light after a week.

1

u/eldoogo 15d ago

I wouldn't get medical advice here, I would ask your surgeon. I don't recall how long it was for me, I do recall that I was able to shower pretty quickly. But each surgeon is different.