A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient after cataract surgery. Which information is essential?

Avoiding bending down or heavy lifting after cataract surgery is essential because such activities can increase intraocular pressure, potentially compromising the surgical outcome. After surgery, the eye is in a vulnerable state, and these movements may strain the healing tissues or disrupt the surgical site, leading to complications such as increased swelling or bleeding.

Furthermore, proper healing often requires the patient to adhere to specific activity restrictions to facilitate recovery. Patients must be informed that engaging in activities that can exert pressure on the eye should be avoided to ensure a successful healing process and optimal vision outcomes after surgery. This highlights the importance of following discharge instructions closely to protect the patient's recovery and eye health.