How long after cataract surgery can you bend over?

Generally, patients are advised not to bend over or lower their heads during the first week after cataract surgery. After one week, light head-lowering activities may gradually be attempted depending on recovery progress, but prolonged or strenuous bending should still be avoided. Specific precautions are as follows:

The first week after surgery is a critical period for wound healing and stabilization of the intraocular lens. Lowering the head during this time can increase intraocular pressure, potentially leading to wound dehiscence, lens displacement, or worsening of ocular congestion and swelling. During this period, it's important to keep the head stable, avoid actions such as bending down to pick up objects or tie shoelaces, and sleep with the head slightly elevated.

If recovery is progressing well at the one-week postoperative check-up, light activities such as brushing teeth or washing the face may be resumed. However, prolonged head-down positions—such as looking at a phone or reading—are still discouraged, as are heavy lifting and vigorous exercise that could cause sudden increases in eye pressure. Around one month after surgery, the internal eye structures are generally stabilized, allowing more flexibility with head positioning, though moderation is still recommended.

Patients must strictly follow medical instructions regarding medication use and maintain good eye hygiene, avoiding rubbing the eyes. In daily activities, keeping the head slightly elevated helps minimize fluctuations in intraocular pressure and supports optimal eye recovery.