Yesterday my ophthamologist gave me the green light to return to my favorite exercise, cycling. It's been 4 weeks +2 days since my cataract surgery on my left eye. The 1st week after my surgery, I stayed home. The second week onwards I started light walking. After the green light, I went out today and cycled 34.71 km (21.56 miles) on relatively flat terrain using my enduro road bike. I basically maintained a 19kph+- pace. A few times I increased the pace and at one short hill I semi powered up it. I could feel the eye hasn't quite healed yet. My question is how long does it take to "fully recover" before one can cycle (or exercise) to your 100% norm?
I'm a 65 years old retired man that normally rides a mountain hardtail bike averaging 500-750 miles a month. I ride mostly in the mountains on tarmac. I ride 6 times a week or sometimes everyday for weeks. For me, that's my normal. So when can I return to this level of exercise without my eye feeling it hasn't recovered?
Not sure anyone can give you a definitive answer on that - even opthamologists. I googled to get that answer as I run and came across weightlifter and divers asking that question. Given most patients are seniors and exercise means walking not sure opthamologists have enough patients in your category to give an informed response. However given your level of intense exercise you should let your opthamologist know what you experience (discomfort or eye pressure) so that they can inform next patient that inquires.
All that being said I would do an exercise that brings on any discomfort. Perhaps the reason a lot of studies are done 6 months post op is that is when complete settling/healing takes place (in uncomplicated surgery).
Just my thoughts on this. I tend to be cautious. Better a few months wait for some things than a setback costing me more time.
I tried the same route today (25 miles) and felt no discomfort to the IOL eye. Maybe I felt something yesterday because it was the 1st time to exercise after 30 days layover. It jarred the system awake. I read one opthamologist allowed his patient to cycle after a week. Livingstrong (Lance Armstrong's site) says 2 months. I don't agree with 1 week. Maybe that patient was young? I don't think my ophthamologist knows how I cycle. Maybe he thought a ride around the block. Haha. In any case I will take it slow and not do any radical cycling till after a few months.
I noticed in distance vision upon looking at any white or reflective object, I see ghosting or double object: the 2nd object is like a ghost. Have you ever experienced this? Since my IOL is only tuned for near vision with distant vision taking a back seat, I wonder if this is common?
I see slight shadow with white lights in black background like over clock especially if room has no lights on. I don't see that when lights are on or it's daytime. So I am guessing you see that during daytime with signs? You may want to inquire with opthamologist- sounds as if you may have some astigmatism not corrected but your surgeon should be able to check for that.