Why shouldn't you strain a bowel movement after cataract surgery?

Bleeding/pop stitch: But extremely low risk, since incision is so small and rarely needs stitches.

Pressure: It can increase the pressure in and around t he eye. With todays techniques and self sealing wounds it is not a concern with my patients and cataract sutgery.

After surgery: Bowel movements should not be a problem after surgery. You do need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity though to avoid causing issues with your surgery.

Pressure on the eye: When you strain to stool, you often hold your breath and increase your intra-abdominal and intra-thoracic pressures (called a valsalva maneuver). This can theoretically result in elevated eye pressure, maybe just from associated eye squeezing. This isn't good for the incision as its healing.