What to eat after cataract surgery to avoid affecting the eyes in particular and health in general is a concern and question of many people. So after cataract surgery, what foods should be avoided, and what work should be avoided to quickly recover health?
1. What to eat after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, eating and supplementing nutrition is very necessary to help the patient's health recover quickly while limiting post-operative complications, especially vision health.
Here are the foods that should be supplemented after cataract surgery:
- Protein-rich foods: Pork, beef, chicken, seafood, eggs, milk, cereals, ... are protein-rich foods that provide amino acids to regenerate eye tissue.
- Foods rich in fat: Avocado, nuts such as walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, ... are foods rich in healthy fats, which help prevent inflammation. However, it is important to note that foods rich in fat should be consumed in moderation.
- Foods rich in Omega 3: Fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, ... are rich in Omega 3, which is a good food for the eyes, helping to improve vision, especially after cataract surgery because they stimulate the production of tear film mucus, reducing dry eyes.
- Foods rich in starch: Whole grains, oats, rice, beans, sweet potatoes, ... are healthy starchy foods that should be supplemented to help provide energy, heal wounds, and are suitable for diabetic patients.
- Other essential vitamins and minerals: Dark green vegetables rich in vitamins B, K, and fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, and C such as carrots, tomatoes, oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit, ... are foods that should be supplemented after cataract surgery to help the body quickly recover its ability to absorb light, and wounds heal faster. These are also foods rich in important minerals for the body such as zinc, iron, ...
- Water: Depending on each person's constitution, drinking enough 2 - 3 liters of water/day is very necessary after surgery because water plays an important role in the process of metabolism, metabolism to quickly recover wounds, and eliminate unnecessary substances.
2. Foods to limit after cataract surgery
In addition to supplementing some necessary foods, after cataract surgery, patients also need to pay attention to limiting the following foods to avoid affecting their health, especially diabetic patients.
- Foods high in sugar: Candy, soft drinks, ... containing a lot of sugar are foods that should be avoided, especially for diabetic patients because they affect the retina, slowing down the wound healing process.
- Foods high in salt and preservatives: Meats or processed canned meats, ... containing a lot of salt and preservatives should be limited after cataract surgery because they increase the oxidation process.
- Spicy foods, stimulants: Spicy, hot foods such as pepper, and chili, ... and stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, beer, and cigarettes should be avoided because they affect the spirit, increase the oxidation process that produces free radicals and lead to an increased risk of cataract recurrence.
3. Things to note after cataract surgery
In addition to a complete and reasonable diet, patients after cataract surgery should note the following information to avoid affecting their vision health in particular and overall health in general, and at the same time avoid other unwanted complications after cataract surgery:
- Avoid getting soap and chemicals in the eyes in the first days after surgery.
- Avoid dust, sweat, and environments with too much light. You can wear sunglasses during the day to both protect your eyes and avoid bright light shining into your eyes.
- When using eye drops, pay attention to cleaning the eye area and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Do not rub or scratch your eyes.
- After cataract surgery, to help your eyes relax and rest, you can use a clean towel dipped in cold water to cover your eyes.
- Avoid working, exercising too hard, carrying heavy loads, or doing heavy labor.
- Avoid using electronic devices such as working with computers, watching TV, or looking at electronic screens for 3 hours continuously.
- Avoid being agitated or emotional, crying will affect your eyes.
After cataract surgery, patients should focus on a nutritious diet, including supplementing foods rich in protein, Omega 3, and vitamins and minerals that are good for the eyes such as fish, green vegetables, fruits, etc.
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