Which action should be avoided after cataract surgery to prevent increases in intraocular pressure?

Which action should be avoided after cataract surgery to prevent increases in intraocular pressure?

• A. Bending over
• B. Walking
• C. Reading small print
• D. Sleeping on back

Answer: (A)

After cataract surgery, the goal is to prevent spikes in intraocular pressure that could stress the healing wound. Bending over raises venous pressure in the head and neck, which in turn increases intraocular pressure and can strain the delicate incision. This combination makes wound leakage or hemorrhage more likely, so bending over should be avoided. Walking and sleeping on the back do not typically cause large IOP spikes during the healing period, so they are generally safe. Reading small print may cause eye strain from focusing, which can cause a small, temporary IOP fluctuation, but it is not as impactful as the pressure increase from bending over.

After cataract surgery, the goal is to prevent spikes in intraocular pressure that could stress the healing wound. Bending over raises venous pressure in the head and neck, which in turn increases intraocular pressure and can strain the delicate incision. This combination makes wound leakage or hemorrhage more likely, so bending over should be avoided.

Walking and sleeping on the back do not typically cause large IOP spikes during the healing period, so they are generally safe. Reading small print may cause eye strain from focusing, which can cause a small, temporary IOP fluctuation, but it is not as impactful as the pressure increase from bending over.