Which of the following movements should be avoided after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, certain movements can increase the risk of complications or interfere with the healing process. Coughing and sneezing generate significant pressure in the head and can potentially exert stress on the surgical site. This increased intraocular pressure can lead to complications, such as dislodging the lens or causing bleeding, which is why these actions are typically advised against in the immediate postoperative period.

Walking, writing, and stretching, on the other hand, are generally considered safe activities as they do not pose the same risks of increasing intraocular pressure. Moderate walking can even be encouraged to promote circulation and assist in recovery, making it an important activity in the days following surgery. Similarly, writing and stretching, done gently, do not involve the abrupt increases in intraocular pressure that coughing and sneezing do. Therefore, it is essential to avoid actions that could jeopardize the healing process, such as coughing and sneezing, while still engaging in other light activities that support recovery.