How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery
- Understanding Cataracts. In most cases, the development of cataracts is considered a normal process of aging, and a large majority of individuals over the age of 50 suffer from them.
- Pre-surgical Evaluation. ...
- Cataract Lens choice. ...
- The Night before Cataract Surgery. ...
- The Day of Cataract Surgery. ...
- After the Procedure. ...
What can I expect during and after my cataract surgery?
You should be able to go home on the same day as your cataract surgery. You may have a pad and plastic shield over your treated eye when you leave hospital, which can usually be removed the day after surgery. Feeling should start to return to your eye within a few hours of surgery, but it may take a few days for your vision to fully return.
What questions should you ask before cataract surgery?
When considering cataract surgery, keep these questions in mind:
- Can you see to safely do your job and to drive?
- Do you have problems reading or watching television?
- Is it difficult to cook, shop, do yardwork, climb stairs or take medications?
- Do vision problems affect your level of independence?
- Do bright lights make it more difficult to see?
How should I prepare for cataract surgery?
- Arrange for transportation home after the procedure.
- Avoid smoking.
- Do not apply makeup.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Follow additional instructions from your eye doctor.
Can you eat or drink before cataract surgery?
You may be instructed notto eat or drink anything 12 hours before cataract surgery. Your doctor may also advise you to temporarily stop taking any medication that could increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure. What is the safest cataract surgery?
What Prep is needed for cataract surgery?
Simply wash your face with soap and water prior to your cataract surgery. In addition to your 12-hour fast leading up to surgery, you should abstain from drinking any alcoholic beverages such as wine, liquor, or beer for at least 24 hours before your cataract surgery.
Do and don'ts before cataract surgery?
Before your cataract surgery:Note any changes in your eye health. ... Discuss your medications with the doctor. ... Use the eye drops. ... Do not wear contact lenses. ... Wear comfortable clothes and avoid cosmetics. ... Follow the doctor's advice on fasting. ... Prepare for your recovery. ... Ask questions.
How many days rest is needed after cataract surgery?
While each person heals differently, many patients report drastically better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Plan on taking one to three days off of work to be sure you have enough time to rest, but it is normal to resume most normal activities within a couple of days.
Do you have to take your clothes off for cataract surgery?
You will not be asked to undress prior to your surgery. Please wear clean loose fitting clothing such as a blouse or shirt that can be opened down the front.
What is the fastest way to recover from cataract surgery?
Do:use your eye drops as instructed.take it easy for the first 2 to 3 days.use your eye shield at night for at least a week.take painkillers if you need to.bathe or shower yourself as usual.wear your eye shield when washing your hair.read, watch TV and use a computer.use your shield, old glasses or sunglasses outdoors.More items...
Can I watch TV after cataract surgery?
Several hours following the surgery, most patients are able to watch some television or look at a computer screen for a short period of time. It's important however that you don't over-exert your eyes during the first 24 hours post-surgery. You can expect to return to most normal activities during the first week.
Why can't you drink water before cataract surgery?
So why do you need to fast? Fasting before cataract eye surgery reduces the risk of stomach contents/acid going the wrong way down into your lungs while you are asleep.
How do you not blink during cataract surgery?
What happens if you blink during a cataract operation? An eye holder gently keeps the lid open during the procedure to prevent blinking. Although this may sound alarming, usually there is little to no sensation from the lid holder since the eye has been numbed prior to its use.
Do you wear your shoes during cataract surgery?
Wear low heel shoes. Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home. You will have your own locker, but the Surgery Center cannot be held liable for loss or damage of any personal property.
What should I avoid doing after cataract surgery?
Do not get your hair coloured or permed for 10 days after surgery. Do not bend over or do any strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 2 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, gardening, and dusting for 1 to 2 weeks.
What are the restrictions after cataract surgery?
Limit Strenuous Activity “High eye pressure can interfere with the incision before it fully heals,” says Eghrari. “Positions that put your head below your waist, such as bending over, can also increase eye pressure and should be avoided initially after surgery.”
What activities should be avoided after cataract surgery?
What Activities Should Be Avoided After Cataract Surgery?Driving. For at least 24 hours after cataract surgery, you shouldn't drive. ... Wearing Makeup. Makeup is so much fun, but it is also full of bacteria. ... Performing Strenuous Activities. ... Going Near Dirty or Dusty Areas. ... Swimming. ... Forgetting Your Sunglasses. ... Rubbing Your Eye.
Can I drive 2 days after cataract surgery?
Most patients are able to resume driving 24 hours after cataract surgery.
What to do if you don't understand cataract surgery?
If there is anything you do not understand about the process and procedures around having a cataract surgery, simply ask your doctor for clarification. It is important to be on the same page to ensure a successful surgery and recovery.
What to wear to cataract surgery?
What you wear to your cataract surgery is up to you, however we recommend clean, comfortable, and loose-fitting clothing. Having a shirt that buttons up the front can be helpful as occasionally the fluid used to wash out the cataract may drip down and get your clothing damp. With this in mind, it may be a good idea to bring a spare shirt in case you need to change after the surgery.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The surgery itself usually takes an hour or less to perform, and is conducted by an ophthalmologist. It is an entirely painless procedure as you will receive local anesthetics to numb the eye, and will likely receive a sedative to help you relax.
What is cataract in 2020?
Written by Lisa McIntire. A cataract is a common medical condition where protein builds up in the lens of the eye, making it progressively more opaque and cloudy. This creates blurred or compromised vision that will likely worsen as the severity of the cataract increases.
How long does it take for vision to improve after cataract surgery?
You will have appointments with your eye doctor to monitor the healing process, and should expect to be fully healed from the surgery around one month from the operation.
Is cataract surgery safe?
While cataract surgery is generally safe, there are a number of things that you should do in advance to ensure a successful operation: About a week before your surgery, your doctor will measure the size and shape of your eye with a painless ultrasound test. The purpose of this is to determine the right type of lens implant to utilize during ...
What to take for eye surgery?
To help reduce the risk of complications, you may be prescribed antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory eye drops to take in the days leading up to your surgery.
How to avoid cataract surgery?
Do not wear contact lenses. Avoid wearing contact lenses during the three days leading up to surgery. These may cause irritation to your eye, which could delay the cataract procedure. Get plenty of rest and wear your eye glasses instead. 5. Wear comfortable clothes and avoid cosmetics.
How to prevent infection after cataract surgery?
Dr. Silk will walk you through this regimen. Make sure to follow the treatment instructions and apply eye drops as indicated to help prevent any infection. The drops may be used on the day of the surgery, too.
What to wear to a surgical procedure?
Avoid wearing any makeup, perfume or cologne, aftershave, spray-on deodorant, or hairspray to the surgical center.
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
We recommend requesting at least two or three days off from work to allow yourself proper recovery time.
What to wear for surgery?
We think you look great exactly as you are, so please don’t dress up for surgery. Wear warm, comfortable, and practical clothing ( avoid high heels) on the day of your surgery. Flat shoes with good, non-slip treading are best.
Can you drink alcohol before cataract surgery?
It’s also important to abstain from consuming any alcoholic beverages (like wine, beer, or liquor) for at least 24 hours prior to cataract surgery.
Can you take medication for cataract surgery?
Some medications may increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure or interfere with cataract surgery. Let the doctor know of any medications you may be taking to treat other conditions or symptoms. Dr. Silk may advise you to change the frequency of the dosage or to stop taking these temporarily. Do not make any changes to your medication schedule without first speaking with the doctor, particularly if you are diabetic or on treatment for reflux.
What to take the night before cataract surgery?
Your eye care provider may give you eye drops or medication to take the evening before the surgery. Make certain you follow those instructions precisely. You will also need to abstain from alcohol the night before your cataract surgery.
What to wear to cataract surgery?
Do not eat or drink anything on the morning of your cataract surgery. Dress in comfortable clothing and do not wear makeup, cosmetics, perfume or cologne to the surgical center. Aim to arrive about 30 minutes early in case you have any last-minute paperwork to fill out or questions to discuss.
Why do cataracts happen?
The most common cause of cataracts is the normal aging process. As we grow older, the lens of the eye tends to gradually lose its clarity and become cloudy. The result is a decrease in the quality of vision. The time to consider cataract surgery is when the quality of your life begins to suffer.
How long before cataract surgery do you have to have an appointment?
About one week before cataract surgery, you will have an appointment with your eye doctor to perform a few tests. These tests are painless and allow the doctor to determine which lens implant to use during your surgery.
What to expect during cataract exam?
During your cataract evaluation, your eyes will be examined by a doctor. This is to assess the overall health of your eye. Should you be diagnosed with cataracts during that exam, you will likely meet with a patient care counselor who will talk to you about what to expect before during and after cataract surgery.
How long does it take for your eyes to adjust after cataract surgery?
Most patients are able to return to normal activities within 48 hours of surgery, but those first hours can be tricky as your eyes adjust. If you or your loved one lives alone, it is highly recommended to plan for someone to help out with chores and to be on call for additional help.
Do you need to test for advanced technology lenses?
These lenses are not for everyone and some additional testing is necessary to determine if you are a candidate for advanced technology lenses. Most patients who have chosen advanced technology intraocular lenses are very happy with the results.
One Week Prior to Cataract Surgery
You’ll need to visit our office about a week or two before your procedure in order to undergo some important preoperative tests. This is an important part of the planning phase of your surgery, and it will help Dr. Kirk determine the best IOL option to address your unique needs.
The Night before Cataract Surgery
Dr. Kirk may provide you with eye drops to use the night before your procedure. Make sure you administer all eye drops as directed by Dr. Kirk and his staff. In addition, you will need to take the following steps in preparation for your upcoming cataract surgery:
The Day of Cataract Surgery
Make sure you adhere to the following instructions on the morning of your cataract surgery:
Contact our Loveland Cataract Surgeon
Please contact Kirk Eye Center using the form on this page or call 970-669-1107 today to schedule your cataract surgery consultation. We serve patients in Loveland, Fort Collins and throughout Northern Colorado.
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
While you can typically return to normal activities within 48 hours, total cataract surgery recovery timeis between 6–8 weeks. Here are a few things you may experience during that time, including a few do’s and don’ts after cataract surgery. Keep these in mind as you’re preparing for cataract surgery.
What do doctors do for eye surgery?
Your doctor will perform tests to identify which lens to use for your surgery . You should let your doctor know if you are taking any medications and be sure to schedule follow-up appointments and discuss any additional day-of preparations that may be needed.
Can you eat before a dental procedure?
Do not eat or drink before your surgery. (You can brush your teeth, but use minimal water.)
Can cataract surgery cause blurred vision?
You might experience minimal discomfort or blurred vision after cataract surgery.
How long do you have to be at the hospital for cataract surgery?
Expect to be at our surgical center for 3 hours on the day of your cataract surgery.
Why do you start eye drops before surgery?
Starting the drops before surgery gives your eye a better chance to heal from the inflammation caused by surgery and to fight infection.
Is cataract surgery performed at both surgical centers?
Both of our surgical centers are very experienced with eye surgery. I have performed tens of thousands of cataract surgeries between these two surgical centers and my teams are exceptionally experienced. You will be impressed with their talents and expertise.
Can you go home after cataract surgery?
Outpatient surgical centers allow you to go home after cataract surgery and do not require an overnight stay in the hospital. On rare occasion, certain health issues may not allow your surgery to be performed in an outpatient surgical center.
When is cataract surgery recommended?
When a cataract interferes with the treatment of another eye problem, cataract surgery may be recommended. For example, doctors may recommend cataract surgery if a cataract makes it difficult for your eye doctor to examine the back of your eye to monitor or treat other eye problems, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
How long after cataract surgery do you need glasses?
Your doctor will let you know when your eyes have healed enough for you to get a final prescription for eyeglasses. This is usually between one and three months after surgery.
What happens after cataract surgery?
Once the cataract has been removed by either phacoemulsification or extracapsular extraction, the artificial lens is implanted into the empty lens capsule.
What is the procedure called to close a tiny incision in the cornea?
Stitches may be used to close the tiny incision in your cornea at the completion of the procedure. Making an incision in the eye and removing the lens in one piece. A less frequently used procedure called extracapsular cataract extraction requires a larger incision than that used for phacoemulsification.
How to break up lens?
Using an ultrasound probe to break up the lens for removal. During a procedure called phacoemulsification (fak-o-e-mul-sih-fih-KAY-shun), your surgeon makes a tiny incision in the front of your eye (cornea) and inserts a needle-thin probe into the lens substance where the cataract has formed.
Why does cataract surgery not improve vision?
Occasionally, cataract surgery fails to improve vision because of underlying eye damage from other conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. If possible, it may be beneficial to evaluate and treat other eye problems before making the decision to have cataract surgery.
How long does it take for your eye to heal after cataract surgery?
You'll usually see your eye doctor a day or two after your surgery, the following week, and then again after about a month to monitor healing. It's normal to feel itching and mild discomfort for a couple of days after surgery. Avoid rubbing or pushing on your eye.
How to protect your eyes after cataract surgery?
Other recommendations to protect your eyes after surgery include avoiding: 1 getting water and soap in your eyes 2 touching your eyes 3 swimming 4 wearing mascara for a week or two 5 using face cream or lotion 6 coloring or perming your hair for 1 to 2 weeks 7 using hot tubs and saunas 8 dusting and gardening
How long before cataract surgery can you take measurements?
Preparing for cataract surgery. An eye doctor will likely give you an ultrasound and take measurements about a week before your procedure. This will help them determine the size and shape of your eye and decide what is best for your surgery. They will also ask you if you’re taking any medications.
When can you exercise after cataract surgery?
Your provider can give you a specific timeframe on how long you should avoid exercise. They’ll likely recommend taking at least 1 week off from strenuous activities.
How long is a phacoemulsification incision?
Phacoemulsification. During phacoemulsification, a surgeon will make a 2- to 3-millimeter-long incision in the front of your eye for an ultrasonic probe. The probe breaks up the cataract with vibration and removes the fragments with suction. A foldable lens is then inserted through the incision.
What does a floater look like after cataract surgery?
Floaters after cataract surgery. Floaters look like specks of dust that follow your line of vision. In some cases, floaters don’t require any particular treatment, but they can be a sign of a retinal tear.
Why is intracapsular cataract surgery so rare?
It’s rarely performed now because it has a high risk of complications.
Why do cataracts cloud your eyes?
Cataracts are a clouding of your eye lens because of the clumping of proteins. As a result, your vision could worsen over time. They’re the world’s leading cause. Trusted Source. of blindness. https://www.healthline.com/health/cataract-surgery/ (opens in a new tab)
How does cataract surgery work?
Unlike the surgeries of antiquity, today's cataract surgery uses small incisions and suction to remove the cloudy lens, and then replaces it with an artificial plastic lens.
How long does it take to see an ophthalmologist after cataract surgery?
You will see your ophthalmologist for several postoperative visits—typically one day, one week, one month, two months, and six months after surgery. At each appointment, the doctor will examine your eye, test your visual acuity, and measure your eye pressure. Within one to three months after surgery, your doctor will determine your eyeglass prescription if recommended for driving or reading.
What is the oldest surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the oldest procedures still being performed today. Ancient Egyptians used a surgical technique known as "couching," in which a sharp needle was used to slide the cloudy lens out of the field of vision and into the vitreous cavity in the back of the eye. Later, the Romans used a method called "needling" to slice up ...
How long before eye surgery should you take antibiotics?
Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eyedrops for a few days before your procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
How long does it take to see an ophthalmologist?
You will see your ophthalmologist for several postoperative visits—typically one day, one week, one month, two months, and six months after surgery. At each appointment, the doctor will examine your eye, test your visual acuity, and measure your eye pressure. Within one to three months after surgery, your doctor will determine your eyeglass ...
Can you be awake after cataract surgery?
You will be awake, but you may receive a sedative intravenously to relax you. You'll get local anesthesia to prevent block pain. Operating room staff will apply various drops to the eye before and after the surgery, according to the doctor's orders.
Can cataract surgery cause bleeding?
Cataract surgery doesn't generally cause major bleeding, though your ophthalmologist might recommend that you stop taking aspirin or anti-clotting drugs ahead of your procedure as a precaution. But don't stop taking any medications on your own without first checking with the doctor who prescribed them.
