Can I Do Laundry After Cataract Surgery? Everything You Need to Know

Wondering if that overflowing laundry basket can wait since you just had cataract surgery? Even though your eyes might feel better right away, some chores, like doing the laundry, can subtly affect your recovery.

ByNext can help with that. With our on-demand laundry, wash and fold, and wet laundry services, you can have a clean wardrobe and recovery at the same time. We'll scrub, sort, and do heavy lifting so you can relax, recover, and see clearly.

Read on to learn more about house chores including, can I do laundry after cataract surgery and how they affect your routine.

Skip Laundry, Focus on Healing  

Understanding Cataract Surgery and Recovery

A common cataract surgery involves replacing the eye's cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. It usually takes less than half an hour and is frequently performed under local anesthesia. 

Although it usually goes smoothly, recovery calls for attention. Doctors advise against bending, heavy lifting, and exposing your eyes to dust, water, or harsh chemicals during the first few weeks. These limitations promote appropriate healing, reduce eye strain, and prevent infection. 

Avoiding tasks like laundry and cooking after cataract surgery can significantly impact the protection of your eyes.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Although everyone recovers slightly differently from cataract surgery, most people see noticeable improvements in a few days. However, it usually takes four to six weeks for them to recover fully.

This is a broad timeline:

• Avoid lifting, bending, and contact with irritants like detergent for the first 24 to 48 hours, and rest well. 

• You can start doing light activities again after 3 to 7 days, but you should still avoid heavy chores like laundry.

• After a week or two, gradually return to regular activities, with constant precautions when handling chemicals, dust, and large objects. 

• It's critical to follow your doctor's advice and refrain from engaging in activities that complicate your recovery.

Why Avoid Certain Activities?

Understanding the restrictions after cataract surgery is essential for a smooth recovery. Even routine chores like laundry, ironing, or cooking after cataract surgery can risk your healing eye due to movements and exposures.

Here’s why you should avoid tasks like lifting, bending, and using strong detergents:

• Bending over can affect the healing process or cause the new lens implant to dislodge because it increases intraocular pressure.

• Lifting heavy objects stresses your body and can cause problems by increasing eye pressure.

• Detergent fumes, fabric softeners, and airborne particles can irritate your eyes or cause infection. 

Many patients ask, Can I do ironing after cataract surgery? But it’s best to avoid it during early recovery.

Can You Do Laundry After Cataract Surgery?

No, doing laundry right after cataract surgery is not advised.

In the initial days after surgery, your eyes are susceptible to complications. The risk of eye strain can be increased by bending over, lifting heavy laundry baskets, and being around dust or detergent fumes.

First 24–48 Hours: Strict Rest

If you are concerned about doing laundry after cataract surgery, the first 24 to 48 hours are crucial. Unnecessary strain can affect the healing process of your eye, which requires time. Avoid all housework, like doing laundry or cooking after cataract surgery. These are the reasons that can create complications:

• Bending over to load or unload machinery.

• Carrying heavy baskets.

• Dust and detergent particle exposure.

Days 3–7: Light Activity

You can start doing light activities again, like showering and washing hair after cataract surgery. But laundry must be done carefully. Your eye is still healing and sensitive to pressure, strain, and irritants, even though your vision may have started to be clearer.

If you have to do the laundry:

• Use small, manageable loads instead of heavy lifting.

• Sorting and folding clothes should be done sitting or at waist height rather than bending.

• To reduce irritation, use gentle, fragrance-free detergents instead of harsh ones.

• Wear sunglasses or eye shields as your physician prescribes to protect your eyes.

Weeks 2–4: Gradual Return

You may gradually resume your regular activities as your recovery progresses, but precautions are still essential when washing your clothes. Even though your eye feels better, the healing is still ongoing.

If you're thinking about doing laundry after cataract surgery:

• Avoid products with strong scents or many chemicals, as they may cause eye irritation. Choose mild, fragrance-free products.

• Avoid leaning too close to detergent containers and keep laundry areas well-ventilated.

• Avoid heavy, big baskets. To reduce strain, use smaller bins or bags.

Risks of Doing Laundry

The short answer to the question, "Can I do laundry after cataract surgery?" is technically yes. But By Next recommends avoiding it altogether. If you can not prevent it, then delay, especially during the first few days following the procedure. Laundry may seem harmless, but it can present several risks while you’re recovering:

• Eye Strain: Prolonged activity, lifting baskets, and bending over can raise pressure, which slows the healing process.

• Risk of Infection: Dust, detergent fumes, and dirty clothes can irritate or contaminate the eye, raising the risk of infection, particularly before the eye has completely healed.

• Delayed Healing: Exposure to moisture, steam, and airborne particles in the laundry room can cause delayed healing and complications.

How to Manage Laundry During Recovery

It’s crucial to reduce eye strain and protect your eyes if it’s urgent to do laundry after cataract surgery. The following practical advice will help you stay safe: 

• Use smaller, lighter loads: Divide laundry into smaller groups to prevent lifting heavy baskets.

• Sit while sorting or folding: Sitting down or working at table height will minimize bending.

• Avoid reaching deep machines: Ask for assistance using front-loading washers or dryers to avoid needless bending.

• Keep your eyes safe: Wear eye protection to protect yourself from dust and detergent particles.

• Use fragrance-free detergents: Mild, hypoallergenic options reduce the chance of eye irritation from strong fumes. 

Use ByNext Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services

The recovery period after surgery is not the time to worry about household tasks, particularly those that require prolonged standing, lifting, or bending. Doing laundry right after cataract surgery can cause eye strain and delay healing.

ByNext can help with that.

You can relax and concentrate on improving while we care for everything with our wash and fold laundry service. Whether you need delicate dry cleaning or wet laundry, we provide:
Pickup and delivery of "On-Demand Laundry" at your door. No strain, bending, or lifting, just effortlessly clean clothes.

Why Choose ByNext for Laundry During Recovery?

Your primary focus after cataract surgery should be on recovering, not moving laundry baskets or asking yourself Can I do laundry after cataract surgery for this one time only. Activities like lifting, bending, or being around detergent fumes may hamper your recovery. Therefore, it is best to stop doing laundry on the days after your procedure.

Good news! ByNext is here to assist with a recovery solution. 

• It's easy to pick up and deliver, with no extra chores or heavy lifting. We visit you.

• Your clothing is handled with skill and expert care. 

• Get clean laundry back with our same-day laundry service, without disturbing your rest.

You can concentrate on getting better, let do the laundry. Visit our website to learn more about our services and ByNext pricing.

Schedule Your Laundry Pickup Today  

FAQs - Cataract Surgery and Laundry

How long after cataract surgery can you do laundry?

Wondering when can I do laundry after cataract surgery? Try not to do laundry or housework after cataract surgery for at least the first two weeks. If it’s urgent, wear an eye shield to prevent the risk.

When can I do housework after cataract surgery?

It’s best to avoid housework after cataract surgery for the first few days to a week, especially tasks that involve bending or heavy lifting.

Can I sit in the sun after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, it's fine to sit in the sun, but protecting your eyes is essential. Opt for sunglasses that block 100% UVA rays, particularly during peak UV hours, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When can I bend over to wash my hair after cataract surgery

Bending over can increase the pressure inside the eyes, but for hair washing, it is recommended to wait 24 hours after the cataract surgery and then rinse.

Wrap Up!

Recovering from cataract surgery takes time and patience, particularly during the initial days. Your healing process may be challenging when you bend, lift, or are exposed to dust and detergent fumes, which are common during laundry. Therefore, doing laundry after cataract surgery is not a good idea. 

Instead, prioritize the rest and allow your eyes to heal completely. ByNext makes it simple to stick to your routine without compromising your recovery process. ByNext offers professional care, contactless options, and easy pickup and delivery so you can concentrate on getting better while we take care of the laundry.

Relax, your eyes deserve it. Allow ByNext to relieve the burden.