A patient undergoing surgery for retinal detachment should be counseled to avoid which activity post-operatively?

After surgery for retinal detachment, it is crucial for the patient to avoid lifting heavy objects. This recommendation is based on the fact that heavy lifting can increase intraocular pressure and strain the recovering eye. Such pressure changes may risk the integrity of the surgical repair or exacerbate the detachment, potentially jeopardizing the success of the procedure.

The other activities listed, while they may require caution or modification, are generally not restricted to the same extent as heavy lifting. For instance, driving is typically discouraged for a short period post-surgery, as patients might still have impaired vision or may not be fully recovered. Reading for long periods is usually allowed, but the patient may need breaks to avoid eye strain. Similarly, watching television is generally acceptable, though moderation may be encouraged to prevent fatigue.

Overall, the main priority after such surgery is to protect the eye from any additional stress that could risk the surgical outcome, which specifically highlights the need to refrain from heavy lifting during the recovery period.