Most Cataract surgery is completed in a few hours, and patients can go home on the same day. Post-cataract surgery nutrition is important as a balanced healthy diet will help heal faster and lead to better recovery. Read on to know more!
Understanding What to Eat
It may sound cliché, but eating healthy is really the way to better eyesight. A diet that is rich in essential nutrients can help the eyes to heal faster.
It is crucial to identify foods to include in your diet after your cataract surgery. The benefits of leafy vegetables are well known, and let’s find out other food items that help in post-surgical recovery.
Post-cataract surgery, you should eat healthy food that is rich in the following vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C: plays an important role in protecting the eyes from the damage caused by UV rays. The concentration of Vitamin C reduces with age. Consuming food items rich in this can help cataract patients recover fast after their surgery. Oranges, grapes, lemons, blackberries, and broccoli are rich in Vitamin C.
- Vitamin A is important for good vision. It supports the cornea and protects the outer layer of the eye. It allows the eyes to see in low-light conditions. It also promotes better recovery after your cataract surgery. Beta carotene, a plant pigment found in colourful fruits and vegetables, is the primary source of Vitamin A. You can eat papaya, carrots, red pepper and spinach to get adequate Vitamin A.
- Vitamin E is another essential vitamin that helps with eye health. Food items rich in Vitamin E are almonds, sunflower seeds and oil, peanuts, soybeans and corn.
You can also take protein-rich foods like lean meat, eggs, nuts, and fish, leafy vegetables rich in iron, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and coriander to help heal. These foods also help reduce inflammation after the surgery.
What Not to Eat After Cataract Surgery
Post-cataract surgery, you can enjoy various food items. However, keep in mind to avoid the following foods either completely or consume them only in moderation.
Tobacco and Alcohol
Tobacco consumption either before or after the surgery is not recommended. Smoking, including passive exposure to smoking, can cause infections post-surgery. Quitting the use of tobacco can help you heal faster. A smoking-free lifestyle is good for the overall well-being of body and mind.
Cataract patients should also limit alcohol consumption during the recovery period. Alcohol can cause your blood vessels to dilate. It can also result in inflammation during the post-surgery period, and this eventually slows down the healing process.
Processed Foods\Junk Food
Optimal recovery after your cataract surgery depends on your ability to say no to junk food that is associated with poor eye health. Processed food items are high in sugar and salt. They also are a good source of unhealthy fats.
Fried food items like fried chicken and French fries lack nutritional value and should be consumed moderately. They contain high levels of fats and refined salt. Opting for healthy food is crucial for your speedy recovery.
Sugar and Salt
Food items with excessive salt and sugar content hinder your healing process. Replacing drinks and snacks that are high in sugar and salt with natural foods like fruits and fresh juice can not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also help in healing.
Refined Carbohydrates
Fibers are an essential nutrient for your post-cataract surgery recovery. Refined carbohydrates like bread and white rice lack those fibres and do nothing to aid your healing process. Avoid them as much as possible and replace them with whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. These are food items that boost your overall well-being.
Summary
A healthy lifestyle requires you to follow healthy food habits. After any surgery, including cataract surgery, a person must focus on eating nutritious food that promotes healing.
Being careful about avoiding food items that can hinder your healing and mindful about following a healthy and balanced diet can go a long way in your optimal recovery.
If you are planning to have cataract surgery soon, it helps to start eating right. What you eat is as important for your eye health as choosing your health provider.