What important instruction should be given to a patient post-cataract surgery regarding activity?

After cataract surgery, it's crucial for patients to avoid activities that could strain the eye or introduce the risk of increased intraocular pressure. The recommendation to restrict lifting objects greater than 10 pounds is vital for ensuring the surgical site remains undisturbed and to prevent complications, such as hemorrhage or increased pressure in the eye, which can impact healing.

Activities that involve heavy lifting can increase the likelihood of discomfort and potential damage to the newly operated eye. Therefore, ensuring that patients understand the importance of this restriction helps promote a safe recovery and optimize their surgical outcomes.

The other options mentioned may not be suitable as instructions post-surgery. While some patients may experience discomfort or mild vision changes, using aspirin might not be advisable without consulting a healthcare provider. Applying warm compresses could be inappropriate due to the risk of increased swelling, and it’s not typical to expect significant visual impairment beyond the immediate postoperative period as vision typically improves rather quickly following surgery.