What To Expect Prior To Cataract Surgery

Over the course of this blog I will try to address all of the common questions I get asked by my patients. Many of these questions have to do with expectations. The next few posts will be about the mundane activities that surround cataract surgery: the stuff you can do, the stuff you should do, and the stuff you should not do.

[su_note note_color=”#f9f9f9″]These posts will reflect my personal preferences. Other surgeons will have their own set of expectations. Each surgeon creates a set of guidelines based on his or her experience, training, techniques, and understanding of the literature. Additionally, I will modify these guidelines based on the needs or health of an individual patient.[/su_note]

So, assuming you have already chosen a surgeon and he or she has confirmed that you have a cataract and you would benefit from cataract surgery, what can you expect Prior to Cataract Surgery?

If you are a contact lens wearer you will need to stop wearing the lens in the eye that will have surgery for at least three weeks prior to surgery. You may need to return to the office multiple times to have your corneal curvature measured prior to surgery.

You will need to coordinate pre-operative medical clearance from your internist or family physician.  This may include blood testing, an EKG, and a physical exam. This should be done at least two weeks (but not more than a month) prior to surgery.

You will need to come into the office for additional testing of the eye and to complete the necessary paperwork prior to surgery. Please make sure to bring your consent and filled out questionnaire with you. Expect to be in our office for two to three hours.

Expect a call from us about two to three days prior to surgery to let you know what time you need to arrive at the surgery center.

You will be using drops in the eye that will be operated on beginning three or four days prior to surgery. These drops function to protect the eye from infection and inflammation. We may have samples of some of the drops, but you will have to go to the pharmacy to pick up the others.

You can eat the night before surgery. After midnight, however, you should not eat or drink anything.

 © 2009 David Richardson, MD