What Are Considered Strenuous Activities After Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a life-changing procedure that restores clear vision, but a successful recovery depends on following post-operative guidelines. One of the most common concerns patients have is what activities they should avoid after surgery and for how long.

While cataract surgery is a relatively quick and safe procedure, the eye needs time to heal properly. The greatest danger is poking or rubbing the eye. This could cause the valve incision to open making the wound leak. Engaging in strenuous activities too soon can increase the risk of complications such as accidental knock to the eye, infection, increased intraocular pressure, or delayed healing. The body heals better with adequate rest after surgery or trauma.  In this guide, we’ll explore what is considered a strenuous activity after cataract surgery and answer common patient questions about daily activities.

What Is Considered a Strenuous Activity After Cataract Surgery?

Strenuous activities are any actions that put pressure on the eyes, strain the body, or expose the eye to dust, water, or potential trauma. Here are the main categories of activities to avoid for at least 1–2 weeks post-surgery:

• Heavy lifting (anything over 10–15 pounds)
• High-impact exercise (running, aerobics, weightlifting, yoga inversions)
• Swimming (due to bacteria in water that could cause infection)
• Rubbing or pressing the eye
• Household chores that create dust (sweeping, vacuuming, gardening, DIY activities)
• Any activity that risks direct trauma to the eye (contact sports, ball games, etc.)

Now, let’s answer some common questions about everyday activities after cataract surgery.

Can You Fly After Cataract Surgery?

Yes, but with caution. While flying is not prohibited after cataract surgery, most surgeons recommend waiting at least 1 week before boarding a plane. The reason is that cabin pressure changes can cause slight fluctuations in eye pressure, which might feel uncomfortable in the days following surgery.

Key Tips for Flying After Cataract Surgery:

• Wear protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from dry cabin air and UV exposure.
• Use lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness.
• Avoid lifting heavy luggage overhead or bending excessively.
• Schedule a post-op check-up before flying to ensure your eye is healing properly.

Can You Drive After Cataract Surgery?

Driving should be avoided until your surgeon gives you the green light. Most patients can drive within 24 to 48 hours, but only if:

• They feel comfortable with their vision.
• Their eye surgeon has confirmed that their vision meets legal driving standards.
• They are not experiencing light sensitivity or visual disturbances such as glare or halos.

Important Considerations:

• Your depth perception may be off if only one eye has been operated on, making driving tricky.
• Avoid driving at night initially, as bright headlights may cause glare.
• Some patients may need a new prescription for glasses after full recovery.

Can I Do Housework After Cataract Surgery?

Light housework is generally safe after the first few days, but activities that stir up dust or require bending over should be avoided for at least one to two weeks.

What’s Safe?

✔ Wiping down counters

✔ Light cooking

✔ Folding laundry

What to Avoid?

❌ Vacuuming (dust particles can irritate the eye)

❌ Sweeping (raises airborne debris)

❌ Gardening (exposure to dirt and bacteria can cause infection)

Tip: If housework is necessary, wear protective glasses and avoid bending over too much.

Can I Dye My Hair After Cataract Surgery?

Hair dyeing should be postponed for at least 2 weeks after surgery. The main concern is that chemicals from hair dye, shampoo, and water can enter the eye and cause irritation or infection.

Precautions If You Must Dye Your Hair Soon After Surgery:

• Have someone else wash your hair for you while keeping your head tilted backward.
• Wear protective goggles to shield your eye.
• Avoid rubbing or touching the eye if any product gets near it.

Can I Cook After Cataract Surgery?

Yes, but with some modifications. Cooking itself is not too strenuous, but there are a few things to be cautious about:

1. Avoid steam and heat exposure. Steam from pots and pans can irritate your healing eye.
2. Be careful with spices. Spicy fumes (like from onions or chilies) can cause eye irritation.
3. Protect your eye from splashes. Cooking oil, hot water, or any sudden splash can cause injury.

Tip: Use protective glasses while cooking to prevent accidental eye exposure to steam or oil.

Other Common Concerns After Cataract Surgery

When Can I Return to Work?

• If your job is desk-based, you can typically return within 3–5 days.
• If your work involves heavy lifting, physical activity, or outdoor exposure, you may need to take 1–2 weeks off.

When Can I Resume Exercise?

• Light walking is fine after a few days.
• Avoid weightlifting, yoga, swimming, and high-intensity workouts for at least two weeks.

When Can I Wear Makeup Again?

• Eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow) should be avoided for at least one week to prevent infection.
• Foundation and lipstick are fine after a couple of days.

Final Thoughts From My-iClinic

After cataract surgery, strenuous activities should be avoided to ensure a smooth and complication-free recovery. While daily activities like cooking and walking are generally safe, high-impact exercise, housework that generates dust, and exposure to water or chemicals should be postponed.

Always follow your surgeon’s advice and listen to your body—if an activity feels uncomfortable, it’s best to wait. If you experience sudden vision changes, pain, or unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. A careful and gradual return to normal activities will help protect your new clear vision for years to come.