What checkups will be done on me before cataract surgery?
At the outpatient clinic, an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) will examine your eyes. You will have a sight test and then a full eye examination. Often eye drops are put in your eye to make the pupil (hole in the iris) bigger. This helps the ophthalmologist to examine your eye fully. The effect of these drops will wear off after a few hours, however your near vision will be blurred initially. For this reason you should not drive to appointments and you must be careful that you do not miss your footing and fall e.g. down steps.
Once you and your ophthalmologist have decided that you will have your cataract removed, a physical examination is necessary so that he or she may be alerted to any special medical risks. Ask your ophthalmologist if you should continue your usual medications. Your eye will be measured to determine the proper power of the intraocular lens (IOL) that will be placed in your eye during surgery.
What should I do on the day before surgery?
Follow the instructions and medications as advised by your ophthalmologist. Continue to take your usual medicines for systemic conditions like hypertension, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Take a thorough bath, including your head bath, with soap and water. Do not apply any cosmetics in and around the eye.
On the morning of the day of surgery, you may take a bath, wash your face with soap and water or shave.
What happens to me in the hospital when I go for surgery?
Most operations for cataract are performed on a day care basis. This means that you are admitted to hospital, have your operation and are discharged home all in the same day. You do not stay overnight in hospital. You may be asked to skip breakfast, depending on the time of your surgery.
Before the operation you will be given eye drops, and perhaps medications to help you relax. Normally cataract surgery is performed with a local anesthetic and some sedation. The local anesthetic numbs the area that is being operated on. Though you may see light and movement, you will not be able to see the surgery while it is happening.
As the operation is done under local anesthesia, your cooperation is very important for the surgical success. Do not move your head during the operation and follow the instructions given to you from the surgeon.
The skin around your eye will be thoroughly cleansed, and sterile coverings will be placed around your head. The operation is performed with the aid of a microscope through a small cut in the top of the eye. This is closed using small stitches at the end of the operation. The operation generally takes up to 45 minutes. At the end of the surgery, a pad or shield will probably be put over your eye to protect it from accidental rubbing and bumping after the operation. After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be ready to go home. You should plan to have someone else drive you home.
