Answering Your Questions Before Cataract Surgery
Your Pre-Surgical Consultation and Planning
Your journey begins with a detailed pre-operative appointment, where your cataract surgeon will personalize a plan for your unique eyes and lifestyle. This visit is the foundation for a smooth and successful surgical experience and the perfect time to ask questions.
This comprehensive exam is critical for planning your surgery. During this visit, our cataract surgeons perform several advanced, painless tests to ensure your new lens is a perfect fit for your eye. These often include:
- Biometry, which precisely measures the length of your eye and the curve of your cornea to calculate the exact power of your intraocular lens (IOL).
- Corneal topography, which creates a detailed map of your cornea’s surface to check for astigmatism or other irregularities that might influence your lens choice.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which scans your retina and macula to ensure the back of your eye is healthy.
- A thorough health assessment of your eyes, checking for conditions like glaucoma or dry eye that could influence your surgical plan.
Choosing an IOL is a collaborative decision you will make with your cataract surgeon. The goal is to match the lens technology to your daily activities and desired level of spectacle independence. Your surgeon will explain the benefits of different IOL categories, including modern multifocal, extended-depth-of-focus, and light-adjustable lenses, and recommend the best options for you. To help guide the conversation, think about what matters most, such as reading, driving at night, using a computer, or your comfort with potential night vision changes like glare or halos.
It is essential to discuss all medications with your surgical team and primary care physician. Provide a complete list of everything you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. Some medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, may need to be adjusted. If you take medications for prostate issues, such as Flomax, be sure to tell your surgeon, as they can affect the eye during surgery. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without first getting clear instructions from your doctors.
Preparing for Surgery Day
In the days leading up to your procedure, you will receive specific instructions to prepare your eye and ensure surgery day goes as smoothly as possible. Following these guidelines carefully is key to a great outcome.
You will receive specific instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before your surgery. For your safety during sedation, you will typically be asked to avoid solid food for at least six to eight hours, though you may be allowed to drink clear liquids until a few hours before your procedure. Be sure to confirm the specific instructions with your surgical team.
Your surgeon will likely prescribe one or more types of eye drops to begin using a few days before your surgery. These typically include antibiotic drops to prevent infection and anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling. Using these drops exactly as directed is a critical part of preparing your eye for a successful procedure.
Yes, you must have a responsible adult drive you home from the surgery center. You will receive light sedation that makes it unsafe for you to operate a vehicle. You should also arrange for someone to be with you for a few hours after you get home as you rest and recover.
Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. A shirt that buttons or zips up the front is often easier to manage than a pullover. Do not wear any eye makeup, facial lotion, perfume, or jewelry, as these items can interfere with the sterile environment of the operating room.
Understanding the Procedure and Anesthesia
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures in modern medicine. Knowing what to expect in the operating room can help ease any remaining nerves and help you feel more comfortable.
Nearly all cataract surgeries are performed using local anesthesia and mild sedation, often called 'twilight sleep.' You will be given medication through an IV to help you feel deeply relaxed and comfortable. Your eye will be completely numb from powerful anesthetic drops, so you will not feel any pain. You will be conscious enough to follow simple instructions but will likely remember little about the experience.
No, you should not feel any pain during the procedure. The numbing drops are extremely effective. Some patients report feeling a mild sense of pressure on the eye, and it is common to see a colorful light show, but the surgery itself is comfortable. Afterward, your eye may feel a little scratchy, but this is usually mild and temporary.
The surgical procedure itself is remarkably fast, usually lasting only about 10 to 15 minutes per eye. However, you should plan to be at the surgery center for a total of two to three hours. This allows time for pre-operative preparations, administering eye drops and sedation, the surgery itself, and a short period of recovery before you are ready to go home.
A Partnership in Your Vision
Your active participation and clear communication with your cataract surgeon are the keys to a fantastic outcome. Do not hesitate to ask more questions and share your goals, so that together, you can achieve a lifetime of clear and comfortable vision.