Drop aid glasses after cataract surgery: applying drops independently during recovery

Why are eye drops often needed after cataract surgery?

During cataract surgery the clouded lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial lens. After the procedure, the eye needs time to recover. That is why the ophthalmologist or clinic often prescribes eye drops.

These eye drops may, for example, be intended to support recovery, reduce inflammatory reactions or limit complaints after the operation. Which eye drops you receive, how often you have to apply them and how long you continue differs per patient and per clinic.

That is why it is important not to make changes yourself. Use the drops exactly as prescribed. Are you unsure about the schedule, the order of the drops or the use of several bottles? Then contact your pharmacy, doctor or clinic.

Why is applying drops after cataract surgery sometimes difficult?

Many people only notice at home how difficult applying eye drops can be. You have to hold the bottle properly above the eye, keep the eye open, squeeze the bottle at the right moment and prevent the bottle from touching the eye or the skin.

After cataract surgery that can be even harder, because the eye can be sensitive. Your vision may also be temporarily different than usual. Some people find it nerve-racking to come close to the operated eye. Others have trouble with hand coordination, squeezing the bottle or aiming the drop properly.

Common problems are:

• The drop lands next to the eye.
• The bottle touches the eye or the eyelashes.
• Several drops come out of the bottle at once.
• You cannot keep the eye open properly.
• You depend on a partner, carer or home care.
• You are unsure whether the drop actually went into the eye.

Especially during the recovery period you want to prevent applying drops from becoming stressful. An aid for eye drops can then help you experience more calm and control.

How do drop aid glasses help after cataract surgery?

Drop aid glasses are an aid that helps position the eye drop bottle. The glasses are placed on the face, after which the bottle can be placed in the correct opening above the eye. This means you have to aim less yourself.

The Oculoo drop aid glasses were developed to make applying drops independently easier. The aid helps keep the bottle steady and supports controlled administration of the drop.

That can be especially pleasant when you:

• are temporarily less confident about applying drops after cataract surgery;
• have trouble aiming the bottle properly;
• do not want to depend on others;
• have to apply drops several times a day;
• have shaky hands;
• have less strength in your hands or fingers;
• are afraid the bottle will touch the eye.

Drop aid glasses change nothing about the prescribed medicine or the drop schedule. They only help with the practical side of applying the drops.

Applying drops independently after cataract surgery

Being able to apply drops independently is important to many people. It gives freedom and prevents you from having to ask for help at fixed moments. Especially when you have to apply drops several times a day, depending on others can be inconvenient.

Drop aid glasses after cataract surgery can help increase that independence. You place the glasses on your face, position the bottle in the holder and administer the drop according to the schedule from your doctor or clinic.

Always pay attention to hygiene. Wash your hands before applying drops. Make sure the bottle stays clean. Do not touch the eye, the eyelashes or the skin around the eye with the opening of the bottle. Have you been given several types of eye drops? Then follow the order and waiting time given by your doctor, clinic or pharmacy.

Oculoo as an aid alongside the prescribed schedule

Oculoo is intended as a practical aid for eye drops. The drop aid glasses help place the eye drop bottle steadily above the eye, so you can apply drops more accurately.

Oculoo does not treat cataracts, does not speed up recovery and does not replace medical advice. The aid is intended to make the use of prescribed eye drops more practical.

Therefore always use Oculoo alongside the advice of your doctor, ophthalmologist, clinic or pharmacy. Do you have questions about your medication, the number of drops, side effects or complaints after the operation? Then always contact a medical professional.

When should you contact the clinic?

After cataract surgery it is normal for the eye to still be sensitive. Your vision can also fluctuate in the first period. Still, there are complaints you should not wait out.

Contact your doctor, ophthalmologist or clinic if you have complaints such as:

• a sudden decrease in vision;
• severe pain in the eye;
• increasing redness;
• a lot of discharge from the eye;
• increasing swelling;
• flashes of light or new spots in your vision;
• the feeling that something is clearly not right;
• doubt about the use of your eye drops.

When in doubt, it is wise to contact the clinic. Especially after cataract surgery it is better to ask questions in time than to carry on too long with uncertainty.

Practical tips for at home

A calm routine helps keep applying eye drops after cataract surgery manageable. Keep your eye drops in a fixed place and, if needed, use a schedule on which you tick off when you have applied them.

Practical tips:

1. Always wash your hands first.
2. Check that you are using the right bottle.
3. Use the drop schedule from your clinic.
4. Sit down calmly, for example at a table or in a chair.
5. Make sure there is good light.
6. Use a mirror if you find that pleasant.
7. Prevent the bottle from touching the eye or the eyelashes.
8. Use drop aid glasses when aiming is difficult.
9. Wait between different drops as long as your doctor or pharmacy advises.
10. Contact the clinic in case of pain, doubt or worsening vision.

An aid such as the Oculoo drop aid glasses can help especially with steps 7 and 8: placing the bottle steadily and administering the drop more accurately.

Frequently asked questions about drop aid glasses after cataract surgery

May I use drop aid glasses after cataract surgery?

In many cases you can use drop aid glasses as an aid for administering eye drops. However, always follow the instructions of your doctor, ophthalmologist or clinic. Are you unsure whether drop aid glasses are suitable in your situation? Then ask your clinic or pharmacy.

Why are eye drops important after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery you are often given eye drops to support the recovery of the eye. The exact purpose, the type of drops and the duration of the schedule can differ per person. Therefore always use the eye drops according to the schedule you were given.

Can I apply drops myself during recovery?

Many people can apply drops themselves after cataract surgery, but not everyone finds this easy. Do you have trouble aiming, squeezing or keeping the eye open? Then an aid for eye drops, such as drop aid glasses, can offer support.

When should I call my doctor?

Contact your doctor or clinic in case of sudden worsening vision, severe pain, increasing redness, a lot of discharge, swelling, flashes of light or other complaints you are worried about. Also get in touch if you are unsure whether you are using your eye drops correctly.