Before, During, and After Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a common procedure to remove the cloudy lens from the eye and replace it with an artificial one, improving vision. This guide covers what to expect before, during, and after cataract surgery, ensuring a smooth and successful recovery.
Pre-operative Care
Pre-operative care is essential to ensure a smooth and successful cataract surgery.
What To Do at Home
Ensure your home is clean and organised to prevent any accidents or infections post-surgery. Remove any tripping hazards and set up a comfortable space where you can rest after surgery. This area should have all the essentials like medications, tissues, water, and easy access to a restroom.
Purchase any prescribed medications and eye drops ahead of time, and stock up on groceries and any other essentials you might need during your recovery period. Arrange for someone to help you at home, especially during the first 24-48 hours post-surgery when you might need help with daily activities.
Medications and Eye Drops
Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some medications may need to be paused or adjusted before surgery. If you are on blood thinners, your doctor may advise you to stop taking them a few days before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Do not alter any medications before first consulting with your specialist and/or GP.
Diet Changes
Your doctor will provide specific instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. Generally, you will be advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery unless otherwise instructed, take your regular medications on the day of surgery. Stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to your surgery to help with the recovery process. Refrain from consuming alcohol and limit caffeine intake for at least 24 hours before surgery, as these can interfere with anaesthesia and recovery.
Arranging Transportation
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the surgery centre. Cataract surgery is usually a same-day procedure, and you will not be able to drive yourself home due to the effects of anaesthesia and impaired vision post-surgery. Ensure your designated driver understands their role and is available to stay with you for a few hours post-surgery if needed.
Have a backup plan in place in case your primary driver becomes unavailable. The hospital will not discharge you without a responsible adult carer present. You cannot take a taxi or uber alone. However, you may use these services if accompanied by a responsible adult.
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What Happens on the Day of Surgery
Cataract surgery is a common and typically safe procedure performed to restore vision by removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Understanding what happens during the surgery can help you feel more prepared and at ease.
Anaesthesia and Sedation
- Local Anaesthesia: Before the procedure begins, your surgeon will administer numbing eye drops to your eye to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. In some cases, a local anaesthetic injection may be given around the eye to provide additional numbness and immobilise the eye.
- Sedation: You may receive a mild sedative, either orally or through an IV line, to help you relax. This sedative will keep you awake but in a calm and comfortable state.
The Procedure
- Preparation: The area around your eye will be cleaned and sterilised to reduce infection risk. Your face will be covered with a sterile drape, leaving only the surgical eye exposed.
- Performing the Surgery: The procedure begins with a small incision in the cornea, allowing your ophthalmologist access to the lens in the eye. A circular incision is made in the lens capsule, known as capsulorhexis and then material is removed using a phacoemulsification probe. This probe uses ultrasound energy to break the lens into smaller pieces and subsequently vacuum the small pieces out. The new IOL is then inserted into the capsule through the initial incision. Generally no sutures are required.
Post-operative Care and Recovery
Proper post-operative care is crucial for a successful recovery after cataract surgery. This guide outlines immediate post-surgery care, activity restrictions, medications and eye drops, and signs of complications to help you navigate the recovery process smoothly.
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where your vital signs will be monitored. You will stay here until the effects of the anaesthesia have worn off. The medical staff will provide you with specific instructions for home care before you leave the surgical centre.
You will be sent home from hospital wearing a protective eye pad and plastic eye shield. We require that you keep these on overnight. We will remove the patch at your post operative appointment the morning after your surgery. It is normal for the eye to be watery or itchy and you may also find that your nose is a bit runny.
Rest for the remainder of the day after your surgery. Avoid any strenuous activities and try to keep your head elevated when resting.
Do not lift heavy objects or engage in activities that require significant physical exertion for at least two weeks. Avoid bending over, as this can increase pressure in your eye.
Avoid rubbing or touching your eye, even if it feels itchy or uncomfortable. Your may have a shower and wash your hair or your face, but keep your eyes closed when doing so. You will not be able to swim, use a hot tub or sauna for one month.
Do not drive until your surgeon confirms that it is safe for you to do so, usually after the first follow-up visit.
Your surgeon will provide with prescription for eye drops to use following surgery if you find you have side effects from the drops or are given different instructions by another health professional (ie GP or other specialists), please contact us before stopping your drops.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended if you experience discomfort. Avoid medications like aspirin that can increase bleeding risk unless advised by your doctor.
- Pain and Discomfort: Mild discomfort, itching, and sensitivity to light are normal. Severe pain or a significant increase in discomfort should be reported to your doctor immediately.
- Vision Changes: Some blurriness is expected and should improve over time. Sudden vision loss or significant changes should be reported promptly.
- Redness and Swelling: Mild redness and swelling are normal. Excessive redness, swelling, or discharge can be signs of infection and should be addressed immediately.
- Flashes and Floaters: If you become aware of persistent flashing lights in your vision, many new floaters (Black dots) or a dark curtain across your vision, let us know immediately.
- Persistent Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms could indicate increased pressure in your eye and should be reported to your surgeon immediately.
If you are unsure if the symptoms you are experiencing are normal, please contact us.
For more information about cataract surgery, contact the staff at Queensland Eye and Retina Specialists.