Pre-Surgery Instructions for Cataract Surgery
Weeks Before Your Surgery
Start preparing early so you have all your tests done and your health is ready. This gives your eye doctor important information to plan the best surgery for you.
Your surgeon will schedule special eye measurements and possibly blood work or other health checks. These tests help your doctor pick the right lens implant for your eye and make sure you are ready for surgery.
Tell your regular doctor and eye surgeon about every medicine you take. This includes over-the-counter pills, vitamins, and supplements. Some medicines may need to be paused for one week or more before surgery to lower bleeding risk.
- Blood-thinning medicines like aspirin or certain herbs may need to be stopped.
- Heart and blood pressure medicines should usually stay on unless your doctor says to stop.
- Tell your doctor about fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba, as these may thin your blood.
Take out your contact lenses at least one week before surgery. Wear glasses instead so your eye can go back to its natural shape. Your surgeon needs accurate eye measurements to pick the right lens implant.
You will receive medicine that makes you sleepy, so you cannot drive yourself home. Ask a friend or family member to pick you up after surgery. Plan for someone to help you at home for the first day or two with meals and daily tasks.
If you have heart, lung, or other health problems, your eye surgeon may ask you to see your regular doctor first. This makes sure surgery is safe for your whole body and helps plan your care.
Smoking slows down healing and raises the risk of problems. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit or cut down before surgery. This will help you heal better.
Days Before Your Surgery
In the week before your surgery, follow your surgeon's orders about eye care and daily habits. These steps lower your risk of infection and prepare your eyes for the best results.
You will get special antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use. Start using them two to three days before surgery, three times a day. Wash your hands before putting in each drop to avoid germs.
- Use one drop each time and wait five minutes between different eye drops.
- Close your eye gently after each drop so your eye can absorb the medicine.
- Practice using the drops so you feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Your surgeon may ask you to clean your eyelids with a special cleanser four days before surgery. Use a clean cloth and gently scrub your eyelids twice a day, morning and night. This reduces the number of germs on your eyelid.
Do not wear eye makeup, lotion, or hair spray near your eyes. Skip alcohol and take care of yourself by eating well and getting enough rest. These habits help your body heal better after surgery.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to help your body heal after surgery. Drink plenty of water every day. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to follow any special eating rules before surgery.
The Day Before Your Surgery
The day before your surgery is the final step before the big day. Focus on getting everything ready so you can feel calm and relaxed.
Your surgeon will tell you when to stop eating solid food. Most people stop eating six to eight hours before their surgery time. Ask your surgeon exactly when you should stop eating and what clear liquids you can have.
Get a quiet, clean room ready at home where you can rest after surgery. Keep your medicines, sunglasses, and supplies nearby. Make sure you have a clear path to walk so you do not trip.
Avoid hard exercise or heavy work. Eat a light dinner and do not drink alcohol. Get plenty of sleep the night before. If you feel nervous, try taking slow, deep breaths to help yourself relax.
Bring loose, comfortable clothes with no rough fabric. Wear a shirt that buttons in front so changing clothes is easy. Pack your ID, health insurance card, a list of all your medicines, your eye drops, any forms your surgeon needs, and sunglasses to protect your eyes after surgery.
On the Day of Surgery
Surgery day is here, and your team at ReFocus Eye Health Waterbury will take good care of you. Cataract surgery is quick and done as an outpatient, so you go home the same day.
Take a shower or bath with regular mild soap. Do not wear deodorant, perfume, makeup, lotion, or jewelry. Wear loose, comfortable clothes with short sleeves so your team can put in an IV if needed.
Keep following the fasting rules your surgeon gave you. Do not eat or drink after the time your surgeon told you. You can take your regular morning medicines with a tiny sip of water unless your doctor says not to.
Arrive about one hour before your scheduled surgery time. Your driver should stay with you or plan to pick you up after surgery. Tell the staff about any health changes since your last visit.
- Leave jewelry, contact lenses, and valuable items at home.
- Bring your insurance card and ID.
- Let staff know if you have any new symptoms or concerns.
Your surgery will take about fifteen to thirty minutes per eye. You will get relaxing medicine, and the team will give you instructions as they go. You will feel pressure but not pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every supplement must be stopped. Talk to your eye doctor about which ones to pause. Blood-thinning supplements like aspirin, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E may need to stop seven to ten days before surgery to lower bleeding risk.
No. Contact lenses can change the shape of your eye, and your surgeon needs exact measurements for your lens implant. Stop wearing contacts at least one week before surgery and switch to glasses.
Call your surgeon right away. Using eye drops on time helps prevent infection. Your surgeon can help you stay on schedule and make sure you do not miss any doses.
Fasting prevents nausea and problems with anesthesia during surgery. It keeps you safe during the procedure. Always follow your surgeon's fasting instructions exactly.
Yes, you can take most of your morning medicines with a small sip of water. Ask your surgeon which medicines are safe to take before surgery. Confirm this at your preoperative visit.
Yes, it is completely normal to feel some nervousness. Cataract surgery is very safe and done thousands of times every day. Your team will explain each step and answer all your questions to help you feel at ease. Modern cataract surgery has excellent results and helps patients see much better.
Call your surgeon or the surgery center right away. Tell them how you feel and listen to their advice. Do not ignore signs of illness like fever, vomiting, or a bad cough.
Tell your surgeon as soon as you know. The surgery center staff can talk with you about options or may be able to help you find a way to get there safely.
Working with Your Surgeon
Follow these instructions closely and do not hesitate to ask your surgeon questions anytime. Your eye surgeon is here to guide you toward clear vision and excellent results.
I had cataract surgery. I can only give high praises. Anxious time, the nurses put you at ease. They are comforting and very professional. I would highly recommend this surgical center. Dr. is the best!
Rocco Orso
I recently had cataract surgery on both eyes with intraocular lens implantation by Dr. White. Pleased with the care. She is exceptionally knowledgeable, thorough, and attentive. Completely confident the entire process. Results were life changing.
nes buan
Dr. Wandel is the greatest at removing cataracts! I now have 20/20 vision for everything except close up. Thank you so much Dr. Wandel.
Denise. J Prime
I have been using ReFocus since my cataract diagnosis. Surgery was great and recovery quick. Checkups are thorough and quick; staff are polite and professional.
Wayne Pinkham
The surgeon and staff were personable, professional, and efficient during cataract surgery. The triple vision in my left eye is gone and I now have 20/20 distance vision. Driving is safer and I can appreciate small details again. Thank you!
Cyril May
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