Cataract Surgery Information

We will go over the details and instructions on how to prepare for your surgery during our pre-operative call. The following is for reference:

Pre-Operative Instructions (Day of Surgery)

• Do not eat anything 6 hours prior to your arrival in the surgery center.
• Only water is permitted up to 2 hours prior to arrival (Due to conscious sedation that is offered for this procedure).
  • If you are diabetic and are concerned about your diabetic medications during this short time of fasting, please refer to your prescribing physician.
  • It is vital that you take your blood pressure medication. If your blood pressure is too high on arrival, your surgery WILL BE CANCELED. Typically, anything >185/90
• Dress comfortably. You will not be asked to change out of your clothes. If applicable, please wear your hearing aids and bring sunglasses.
• Do not wear ANY make-up (mascara, foundation, eye makeup) or moisturizer/aftershave – the morning of surgery. Do not use body lotion over your chest prior to surgery. Our EKG leads will not stick to you.
• It is very important to have your eye drops before the date of surgery. If you do not, please call Kim (ext. 334) immediately.

Post-Operative Discharge Instructions

• Remove the shield after two hours. You will wear the shield while sleeping for the next 7 days. Your vision may be blurry after the shield is removed. This is normal. Your vision will gradually continue to improve.
• Begin using your eye drops as soon as the shield is removed. Continue all prescription drops for glaucoma as directed.
• Do not rub the eye at any time. Use artificial tears or a lubricant ointment (available over the counter without a prescription) for dryness, irritation, or itching as needed. Do not use saline drops with other medications added to them such as Visine for allergy problems.
• Refrain from driving until your doctor says it is OK. This is usually for 1-2 days due to blurriness and light sensitivity. Wear sunglasses as needed.
• Avoid bending over and straining for one week. These actions can cause the pressure to increase in and around the operative eye. Straining includes lifting 10 pounds or more or straining during a bowel movement.
• Refrain from washing your hair for 24 hours. Keep water out of the operative eye for one week. If you develop matter on the eyelids, gently soak off with warm compresses.
• Do not wear eye makeup for one week.

General Do's and Don'ts

• If you experience any discomfort such as a headache or an eye ache, we recommend using Tylenol as the manufacturer suggests or whatever pain reliever you are accustomed to using. The pain should not be severe.
• Resume your normal diet and medications as soon as possible. Check with the prescribing physician if you have concerns about your medications.
• Put the lens implant card in your wallet or with important papers at home.
• Please call our office if you experience any of the following:
  • severe discomfort unrelieved by your pain reliever
  • persistent nausea or vomiting
  • coughing unrelieved by home remedies
  • fever greater than 101°