After the cataract surgery, it is good to avoid foods that are associated with high inflammation, high added sugar, and processed food such as junk food or fast food. It is typically recommended to avoid these types of foods after the cataract surgery so that it may not hinder the process of healing. In this post, we will discuss the list of foods not to eat after cataract surgery. Along with the food habits it is good to train your eyes after cataract surgery for faster recovery.
Top 10 Foods not to eat after cataract surgery
After the cataract surgery, there are some foods and substances that you might need to limit consumption to interfere with the healing process or increase the risk of complications. Here are some general recommendations:
Which Foods and Substances to Avoid After Cataract Surgery?
Spicy Food
Spicy foods generally contain compounds that increase blood flow and may cause irritation to the eyes, especially in sensitive areas. To minimize discomfort and promote healing, it’s best to avoid spicy foods or seasonings in the immediate postoperative period.
Foods high in sodium
High sodium food can cause water retention and increase blood pressure, which may not be favourable to the healing process after the cataract surgery. Increased blood pressure can put a strain on the delicate blood vessels in the eyes and increase the risk of complications such as bleeding or swelling. It is better to limit your intake of highly processed & salty food and opt for fresh and whole food which contains less volume of sodium.
Alcohol
You might need to limit or reduce the consumption of alcohol post-cataract surgery because It can increase the risk of bleeding by interfering with blood clotting mechanisms. Alcohol can interact with the medication you are taking after the cataract surgery such as antibiotics or pain relievers, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing side effects. So it is better to reduce consumption or to stop consuming alcohol after the cataract surgery.
Caffeine
Consumption of high caffeine can lead to dehydration in the body. Dehydration can impact the process of healing and may cause dryness, discomfort, or irritation in the eyes after cataract surgery. So it is advised to limit or reduce the consumption of caffeine after the cataract surgery.
Processed Foods
Processed food is generally consist of high levels of preservatives, artificial additives, and trans fat. Food carrying these properties can lead to high inflammation & bad nutritional value and may hinder the process of the body’s capabilities of self-healing post-cataract surgery.
Sweets and sugar
After your cataract surgery, it’s a good idea to cut back on sugary snacks like candy, soda, and desserts. Too much sugar can cause inflammation and weaken your immune system, which isn’t helpful during recovery.
Instead, try choosing healthier sweets like fresh fruits. They give you important vitamins and antioxidants that help your body heal fast.
Refined carbs
Avoiding refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, sugary snacks, and processed cereals can help your recovery after cataract surgery. These foods can cause your blood sugar levels to rise quickly, which might lead to inflammation and infections.
Instead, consider choosing whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread. These types of foods are rich in nutrients and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, promoting a smoother healing journey after surgery.
Citrus Fruits
Even though oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are full of vitamin C, they can also be sour. This sourness might bother or irritate your eyes after surgery, especially because they’re sensitive. Choosing fruits that aren’t as sour, like apples, bananas, and berries, can still give you important vitamins and minerals without causing any irritation
Anything fried and fatty
Stay away from fried foods and fatty stuff like burgers from fast food joints or deep-fried snacks. Eating these things might cause swelling and make your recovery take longer. Plus, chowing down on lots of unhealthy fats could lead to problems.
Instead, go for lean protein like grilled chicken or fish, and add in good fats from avocados and nuts to keep your heart happy.
Excessive Fiber
While fiber is crucial for keeping your gut healthy, having too much of it right after surgery can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort. Foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, beans, and raw veggies, can be hard for your body to digest, especially during the early stages of recovery. It’s best to gradually introduce fiber-rich foods back into your diet as your digestion improves to prevent any tummy issues.
Importance of Eating Healthy After Cataract Surgery
Eating right is super important for bouncing back after cataract surgery. A good diet gives your body all the stuff it needs to fix up and heal, even your eyes. Plus, it keeps you healthy overall, helps your immune system stay strong, and lowers the chances of any problems popping up.
But if you don’t eat well after surgery, it can mess with your healing. Not getting enough of the good stuff can slow things down, make infections more likely, and just generally not be good for your health. So, it’s really important to eat healthy to make sure you recover well and have the best shot at good vision.
Top 7 foods that promote eye health and help in preventing cataracts
Eggs
Egg yolks are packed with special antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin, just like you find in green veggies. These antioxidants are like superheroes for your eyes. Eggs have a good amount of fat, which helps your body soak up all the goodness from these antioxidants. A study from 2020 even showed that people who eat two to four eggs a week are less likely to have serious eye issues compared to those who eat fewer eggs over a long time. Egg yolks are also full of choline, which keeps your eyes healthy, and vitamin D, which might also help protect them.
Whole Grains
Eating whole grains food like brown rice, quinoa, barley, and oats is quite beneficial for the eyes. They are packed with vitamin E, zinc, and niacin which helps to keep our eyes healthy. Vitamin E acts like a shield for your eyes, protecting them from damage and inflammation. Zinc is like the builder, helping to keep the structures of your eyes strong and supporting your immune system in fighting off eye infections. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, makes sure your eyes get enough oxygen and nutrients by improving blood flow to them. Eating whole grains keeps your eyes healthier over a period of time and lowers the chances of getting cataracts or other eye problems.
Legumes
Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas are rich sources of zinc and minerals which play vital roles in ocular health. Zinc is involved in numerous enzymatic processes in the eye, including the production of melanin in the retina, which helps protect against UV radiation. Zinc intake is essential to maintain optimal vision and lower the chances of cataracts.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They have anti-inflammatory properties and are critical for maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes in the eye.
Carrots
Carrots are highly rich in beta-carotene, by consuming it our body turns it into vitamin A. Vitamin A is very crucial for good vision, especially in dim light, as it helps to create the rhodopsin, a pigment in your eyes which helps to give the better visibility at the night.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy Green Vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, and E. They also consist of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. lutein and zeaxanthin are beneficial for your eye health as they accumulate in your retina specifically the macula, where they help filter blue light and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, all these seeds are rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E works well with other antioxidants like vitamin C and selenium to keep your eye tissues healthy and prevent cataracts. Along with Vitamin E nuts & seeds are also rich in fatty acids like omega-3 which helps to reduce inflammation in your eyes and increases health overall.
Incorporating these foods into your diet can help promote eye health and reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Along with regular eye exams and other healthy lifestyle choices, such as wearing sunglasses outdoors and avoiding smoking, a nutritious diet plays a vital role in maintaining clear vision and preventing age-related eye conditions. By prioritizing these foods, you can support your overall well-being and enjoy a lifetime of healthy eyesight.
How to prevent cataracts?
Preventing cataracts involves a combination of lifestyle choices, protective measures, and regular eye care. Here are some comprehensive strategies to help reduce your risk of developing cataracts:
Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
Wear sunglasses whenever you go outside, pick sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from harmful sunlight that can cause cataracts.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a nutritious diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and minimally processed foods may help reduce your risk of developing cataracts. Including a balanced diet in your daily habits can reduce the chances of having cataracts, and adding small to moderate doses of antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E may also be beneficial. Maintaining a moderate weight with a balanced diet that does not include a lot of sugary food can help prevent other diseases like type 2 diabetes.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking increases oxidative stress and reduces antioxidant levels in the body, which may lead to increasing the chances of having cataract. People who smoke have a 2-3 times higher risk of having cataracts than non-smokers.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Your eye doctor can spot problems early on. If you’re between 40 and 64, you should get a complete eye exam every 2 to 4 years. (A “complete” exam means your eye doctor will dilate your pupils)
If you’re over age 65, you should get an exam every 1 to 2 years.
If your odds are high for certain eye diseases, your eye doctor may want to see you more often.
Also, you can do the self tests for cataracts at home like Visual Acuity Test, Glare Sensitivity Test, Color Vision Test, Contrast Sensitivity Test, and Self-Examination of Eyes.
Final Words
For faster recovery after a cataract, it is necessary to incorporate a healthy and balanced diet into your daily lifestyle. Also, you should keep a tab on foods not to eat after cataract surgery such as spicy foods, alcohol, processed foods, high sugar foods etc.
1. What should you not eat after cataract surgery?
After the cataract surgery, it is advised to avoid these types of food like sugary food, processed food, spicy food, alcohol, carbonated beverages, hard or crunchy food, etc.
Avoiding such food and focusing on well balanced diet, can help and smoother the process of recovery after post-cataract surgery.
2. What should I eat after cataract surgery?
If you are infected with a cataract, the first step is to schedule an eye checkup with the ophthalmologists or optometrists to confirm the diagnosis and assess its severity. it is very crucial to notice changes in your vision, such as increased blurriness, glare, or difficulty seeing at night, and report these changes to your doctor. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, such as leafy greens, carrots, and fish, can also support eye health. If cataracts significantly impair your vision and daily activities, discuss cataract surgery options with your ophthalmologist.
3. How can I prevent cataracts?
To prevent cataracts, the very first step is to protect your eye from harmful UVA and UVB rays pick sunglasses that are capable of blocking UV rays 100%. Maintain a good diet with a sustainable healthy lifestyle, try to include antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish in your diet, which can support eye health and reduce the risk of cataracts. Regular eye check-ups are essential to detect early detection of any changes in vision or the development of cataracts
Reviewed By
Dr. Sonam Aggarwal
MBBS, MD(Community Medicine)
[…] However, it is important to note that a few foods need to be avoided after cataract surgery such as spicy foods, and foods high in sodium, alcohol, and caffeine. Check out our list of Top 10 Foods not to eat after cataract surgery. […]