Major surgery after cataract surgery

Dear Ask The Doctor: Quick question, my Mother is 71 and is stubborn and will lie in order to get her way even if her reasoning is totally irrational. She recently had cataract surgery and the Dr. said her other eye should be done asap and was given a date a few days before some "major" foot surgery. She claims she was told that she can't have foot surgery after eye surgery. I don't believe her...can someone tell me if there is any reason this?

Dear S.:  Your mother may have been given this advice by her surgeon. Though you have not stated exactly what procedure will be done on her foot, she may be required to walk or perform certain exercises at home to aid her recovery. These exercises may require that her vision not be impaired in any way. Also following cataract surgery, your mother should not perform any activities which may increase the pressure in the eye. These include lifting heavy objects, excessive coughing or straining.