What happens
during surgery?
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.
