Do I need to stop my regular medications before surgery?
No. It is not necessary to discontinue regular medications—except for some glaucoma medicine that makes the pupil of the eye very small. If you are diabetic, continue your routine diet and medicines.
What can I expect before surgery?
When you arrive at our surgery center, you should already have had a thorough eye examination from your family eye doctor. However, before surgery, your eye will be dilated and our doctor will perform additional testing to:
- Find out how well you can see in bright light
- Estimate what your vision may be like after cataract surgery
- Measure your eye to calculate the power of lens implant needed
Can I eat and drink before surgery?
Yes. There is no reason to change your normal eating routine. In fact, we encourage you to eat a light breakfast or lunch before surgery.
Can I wear make-up and hairspray?
We ask that you not wear eye make-up on the day of treatment, since the area around your eye will be carefully wiped with a sterile solution. But you may wear hairspray.
Please wear comfortable, clean street clothing. A light gown will be slipped over your clothes, and cap and booties will cover your hair and shoes.
Does everyone get the same lens implant?
Most people choose a standard single-focus lens implant that is specially selected for their eye. However, some individuals who are highly motivated to become less dependent on glasses elect to pay extra for special lens implants that can reduce their need for corrective eyewear.
Can I have something to help me relax?
If you are particularly nervous or anxious, the nurse can give you medication to help you relax, but most people do not need anything.
No. Your eye will be numb, so you will feel little or no discomfort—but you may feel the surgeon's hands brush against or rest on your forehead. After surgery, you may experience some minor discomfort as the anesthesia wears off.
No, you will be awake throughout the procedure. Eye drops will numb the surface of your eye to allow anesthesia to be gently administered to the surrounding tissue. You may feel a slight warmth as the anesthesia is given.
Can family and friends watch my surgery?
Yes. There is a comfortable viewing area with a glass wall looking into the surgical suite. We encourage your family and friends to stay close to you and watch your surgery. A host or hostess will explain what is happening as the surgery is viewed on a TV monitor.
How can I keep my eye from moving and blinking?
The anesthesia will temporarily immobilize the muscles around your eye so you cannot move it.
What happens after my eye is numbed?
After relaxing a few minutes, you will walk into the surgery suite and sit in a reclining chair. The area around your eye will be carefully draped for surgery and a natural tear-like solution will be gently sprayed on your eye to keep it from drying out during surgery.
If you need to cough or sneeze during surgery, kindly tell the surgeon so he can be prepared. If you have a ticklish throat, tell the nurse before your treatment so she can give you something to suppress your cough.
How long will surgery take?
With the skill and experience of our surgeons, cataract surgery usually takes about 10 minutes. However, the more dense and hard the cataract, the longer it takes to remove.
What will I see and hear?
Since your unoperated eye will be covered, you will glimpse only hand movements and shadows during surgery. You will hear the hum of the ultrasound machine and may feel the surgeon's hands resting on your forehead.
