Preparation before and follow-up after cataract surgery is usually quite simple. Although recommendations may vary slightly between surgeons, you may generally expect the following routine:
A thorough vision and eye exam with the surgeon is required prior to making a decision to proceed with cataract surgery. This pre-operative evaluation often includes dilation, and it is useful to consider bringing a family member or friend as a driver and a second set of ears.
After the decision is made with your surgeon to proceed with cataract surgery, surgery can be scheduled. This might be as soon as a couple of weeks or as long as a couple of months after your office visit depending upon your schedule. If both eyes need cataract surgery, then the surgeries might be scheduled 1-3 weeks apart.
Thorough instructions will be provided. You will usually be asked to schedule a pre-operative physical exam at your family physician’s office one or two weeks prior to surgery. Around the day of your surgery, you will start a simple eye drop regimen which will continue for a few weeks after surgery, and any necessary drops and/or prescriptions will be provided at the time of your pre-operative visit.
Regardless of where your cataract surgery is performed, it will be an out-patient procedure. The actual surgery is typically no more than a 10 or 15 minute procedure, during which time light sedation is often provided mostly for anxiety. After surgery you will be asked to have a family member or friend drive you home. Because of preparation and a short recovery time, your family can expect to spend one to two hours in the waiting room.
At home the night after surgery, most patients are generally self sufficient. During the first week you will be asked to use your drops and be protective of your surgical eye. Because modern cataract surgery is so minimally invasive, there are usually few other restrictions and precautions during the recovery period. Commonly you will return to the office for a post-operative visit one day after surgery and less frequently thereafter. At each visit instructions and changes will be reviewed with you.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest medical procedures; however, as with any surgical procedure there is a small risk of complications. These risks will be discussed thoroughly during office visits. During the recovery period you will be reminded to call the office in order to report any unexpected problems. Although rarely needed, patients find it reassuring that our staff and surgeons are available for urgent problems 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.