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A cataract is one of the major problems that cause blurry vision in our eyes which is corrected with cataract surgery. While you are recovering, it is always recommended to avoid wearing eye makeup for up to a few weeks. But once the 2 weeks or so are up, you can get back to wearing mascara on your eyes again! But the real problem comes when you have to remove it.
So, how to remove mascara after cataract surgery? You are not supposed to wear mascara in the first week after your cataract surgery. After this week, if anyone wants to wear mascara, they need to be very careful when wearing and removing makeup. In this article, we have shared some common steps, risks, and precautions associated with the removal of eye makeup including mascara. Use a good eye makeup remover and avoid rubbing your eyes to safely remove your mascara and ensure better healing.
About Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves removing the lens of your eyes and replacing it with an artificial lens. When a cataract causes the lens to become cloudy which affects your vision, a cataract surgery is done to improve the eyesight. It only takes two to six weeks to fully recover from the surgery. It has a high success rate in improving the eyesight.
During this surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. Cataract surgery is performed by an eye doctor on an outpatient basis. This is a very common and safe procedure. Cataracts can cause blurry vision and increase the glare from lights. When it becomes difficult for you to do your normal activities, your doctor may suggest cataract surgery. This treatment may also be suggested when a cataract interferes with the treatment of another eye problem. If you are facing problems in your daily activities like reading, watching, or driving, your doctor will recommend this surgery. This surgery will help to treat your eye conditions. Before doing this surgery, know about the risks and benefits of your doctor to decide if this surgery is right for you.
How Long After Cataract Surgery Can I Wear Mascara?
cataract surgery can I wear mascara?” class=”wp-image-26825″/>Cataract surgery involves making small incisions in your eyes. Your eyes need to be fully healed before using any eye makeup products including mascara. Otherwise, there is a risk of infection from dust and bacteria. So, it is very important to follow the post-operative suggestions given by your surgeon.
The patients are advised not to wear mascara or any other eye products for at least one week after the cataract surgery. One week is a must to get away from all the eye makeup products. But, it is better not to use the products for a couple of weeks. It is also important to avoid using brushes or sponges near your eyes as they can cause irritation or infection. You can still apply makeup products to other areas of your face but they should not come in contact with your eyes. After the given period, when you are allowed to wear mascara, it is recommended to throw out the old eye makeup products and purchase new products. This will reduce the risk of infection and cross-contamination.
Using mascara can irritate the already sensitive eyes. Applying and removing the mascara can also increase the risk of infection after cataract surgery. The doctors always give suggestions to avoid wearing mascara after at least 3-4 weeks of the surgery. There are possibilities of the liquids and particles of mascara getting into your eyes. So, wait for a few weeks to use mascara until your eyes are fully healed.
6 Steps of Removing Mascara After Cataract Surgery
Your eyes may get sensitive after the cataract surgery. So, you need to follow some steps to remove the mascara and other eye makeup products. Here are some steps to follow:
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands with a good hand wash to prevent the germs from getting into your eyes.
Use an Eye Makeup Remover
The eye makeup removers are specially designed to get rid of mascara no matter how thick it is.
Wipe with the Cotton Pad or Ball
Take a cotton pad and soak it in a thin layer of eye makeup remover. Close your eyes and use the cotton pad or ball to wipe the eyelid and eyelashes. Wipe gently and avoid rubbing your eyes to avoid skin irritation.
Use a Gentle Face Wash
After using the eye makeup remover, you will have oily mildew on and around your eyes. Use a face wash to get the mildew off.
Rinse Your Eyes
Rinse your eyes with clean water to remove residues or dirt that are left.
Dry Your eyes
Use a soft towel and pat the area around your eyes to dry them. Try to be gentle while drying your face using a small amount of pressure.
Repeat the same process for the other eye if you are removing makeup from both eyes.
Risks When Removing Mascara After Cataract
In the initial recovery weeks, there is a list of things you should avoid. To reduce the risk of an infection in your eyes, you must avoid some activities. The most common risks of removing mascara after cataract surgery are:
- The biggest risk while removing your mascara after cataract surgery is rubbing or putting extra pressure on your eyes. Rubbing can cause the tiny micro incision to leak.
- The micro incisions may get leaked in the early recovery period. The leaks may further cause an eye infection or inflammation. Infections after cataract surgery can be very painful because they can cause a significant loss of vision.
- Using harsh removers can also cause irritation or discomfort in the eyes.
Applying gently is unlikely to cause any issues but the problem occurs when you try to remove the mascara. Because it is very difficult to remove your eye makeup without putting any kind of pressure or rubbing your eyes. So, it is better to wait for the healing period and apply mascara after that time. Because your mascara can also delay the healing process and increase the risks.
Safety Measures to Follow While Removing Mascara
It is recommended not to use mascara or any other eye makeup products after the cataract surgery. Still, if anyone wears mascara after the cataract surgery, they need to follow some precautions. Here are some general safety measures to follow:
- Let the makeup remover do most of the work. Do not put extra pressure or rub your eyes. Because this increases the risks of infection or inflammation. Use gentle dabbing motions around the eyes to avoid any unwanted situations.
- Use gentle and skin-friendly eye makeup remover so that it doesn’t cause irritation or any other skin problems around your eyes.
- While washing away the makeup remover, avoid splashing water into the eyes. Use dabbing motions with a wet clean washcloth for more control.
Final Thoughts
If you have vision loss that interrupts your everyday activities like driving, reading, or watching TV, your doctor may suggest cataract surgery. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens of your eyes and replaces it with an artificial lens. This surgery has a high success rate in improving eyesight. After the cataract surgery, it is generally recommended not to use any eye makeup products. Still, if anyone chooses to wear mascara after the cataract surgery, they need to follow some precautions and safety measures while wearing and removing the mascara. Follow all the recommended steps and methods to remove mascara safely from your eyes after your surgery.
FAQs
Coconut oil is one of the best natural ingredients that can be used to remove eye makeup naturally. Take cotton and put a few drops of coconut oil into it. Now, rub the cotton on the eye area to remove the eye makeup.
It is very safe and gentle to use Vaseline to remove mascara. It is very light and lubricated. As a result, the mascara easily gets off without harming the skin.
After cataract surgery, a person should focus on eating healthy and nutritious food. Foods like refined carbohydrates, sugar, salt, processed foods, etc. should be included. After this surgery, avoid tobacco, and alcohol because these can slow the healing process.
It is recommended not to wear makeup for the first few weeks. Because your makeup products may irritate your eyes and result in an infection too. It is best to avoid wearing makeup after cataract surgery for around four weeks.
The doctors suggest the patients wear mascara or any other eye makeup products at least one week after the surgery. Do not use makeup applicators like sponges and brushes near your eyes as they can contain harmful bacteria.
Key Points
- Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens of your eyes and replacing it with an artificial lens.
- This is a very common and safe procedure that helps improve eyesight.
- Wait for at least one week before wearing mascara and other eye makeup products after the cataract surgery.
- Use a gentle eye makeup remover and take a cotton pad to use the makeup remover on the eyelashes and eyelids.
- While removing your mascara, do not put extra pressure or rub your eyes to avoid irritation or infection around the eyes.
