Preparing for Cataract Surgery

It can be scary when it’s time to have a cataract removal. Even though it’s the most commonly performed surgery in the world, for you, it’s a one-off (or, probably, two-off) procedure. 

Understanding what will take place and knowing how to prepare for cataract surgery can go a long way to allaying any fears and prime your confidence for what is going to be a truly positive life-changing procedure.

How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery 

• Your cataract surgery checklist
• Pre-op instructions

Your Cataract Surgery Checklist

Understanding how to prepare for cataract surgery is essential for a smooth, worry-free procedure. While your surgeon will let you know any details that are bespoke to your treatment, everyone will need to do the following:

• Practice putting in eye drops: You can purchase general lubricating ones from any drug store. You’ll need to use painkilling and/or antibiotic eye drops after surgery, so the more confident you are in applying them, the better.
• Ensure you have appropriate sunglasses: You’ll have to protect your eye from sunlight for a few weeks after surgery. Be sure to bring them with you on the day of the procedure to wear on the way home.
• Prep your home for recovery: Make sure you have a few days’ food and drink supply. Don’t forget other essentials, such as toilet rolls, toothpaste, other toiletries, and—crucially—any prescription medication that you take.
• Arrange for someone to be with you for at least 24 hours after your operation: If you live alone, perhaps a relative or close friend can come over to support you. Organizing this sooner rather than later will mean it’s one less thing to think about close to the surgery date.
• You’ll also need someone to drive you home after the procedure: Again, getting this prepped in advance will prevent any last-minute hiccups.

Pre-op instructions

Your surgeon will provide you with pre-op instructions during a pre-operative assessment. This might be done anything from a few days to a few weeks in advance and could include more than one appointment. During this/these, individual measurements will be taken that your surgeon uses to map the eye and place the new lens. You’ll have your prescription determined for your intraocular lens (IOL) and a decision made between you and your surgeon as to which is the best for your requirements.

You’ll also undergo a general eye examination and medical procedures (such as blood tests, baseline observations, and an EKG).

The pre-op instructions will be individual to your requirements, but will include general advice that applies to everyone:

• Instructions to reduce or stop certain medications, such as those that thin the blood (anticoagulants) and some glaucoma medications.
• When to stop wearing contact lenses. This will vary and depends on whether you wear hard or soft lenses.
• Insulin-dependent diabetics will be given detailed instructions about how to take their medication during the day and hours before surgery.
• You’ll be given eyedrops to use the night before and morning of your surgery.
• Shower and wash your hair the morning of the surgery (so you don’t have to wash your hair for a few days after the operation).
• Do not use any body lotions or wear makeup on the day of your surgery.
• On the day of the surgery, remove all nail polish and jewelry.

Part of the pre-op instructions will also be to provide you with what you can and can’t do after the procedure. Keep a note of this handy, as you’re sure to want to refer to this in the days and weeks after the operation.

How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery and Other Pre-Op Questions from the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic

Our world-leading cataract procedures don’t just begin when you arrive for your operation. At the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic, our patients benefit from the ultimate doctor-led care every step of the way. 

From diagnosis to operation and beyond, you’ll never be left wondering. This includes detailed information on how to prepare for cataract surgery, pre-op instructions, and a pre-, during, and post-op cataract surgery checklist that’s tailored to your specific needs.

Ready to find out more? Head to https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com or call our team for more information.