Cataract Surgery

Before surgery

The week before cataract surgery, the hospital will advise you of the appropriate arrival time.

On the day of surgery

We ask that you be accompanied by a friend or relative who will be able to drive you there and back. If you are unable to arrange for transport, we may be able to help make alternative arrangements. Wear lose fitting clothes and DO NOT apply any make-up for surgery. The operation takes about 45 minutes.

What to expect after surgery

You may notice a ‘scratchy’ sensation. Don’t be alarmed, the scratchiness is coming from the location where your surgeon has made the incision with the blade. This will improve in 2-3 days.

There may be some discomfort but it should not require any medication that is stronger than Paracetamol. If you need stronger painkillers, please contact your surgeon on the number provided to you.

Post operative care

You will be given a prescription by your eye surgeon in which you will need to purchase 2-3 different types of eye drops.

Please remember to wash your hands and put one drop of each bottle 4 times a day in the operated eye. Also remember to shake the bottles before you put them in. There is no order in which you need to instill the drops, just make sure that drops are put in 5 minutes apart. An example of times:

Bottle 1	8:00 am	12 noon	4:00 pm	8:00 pm
Bottle 2	8:05 am	12:05 pm	4:05 pm	8:05 pm
Bottle 3	8:10 am	12:10 pm	4:10 pm	8:10 pm

You may also be given Diamox tablets which you should take one tablet every 4 hours until they run out. The tablets are taken to reduce the pressure in your eye and make you pass urine. For this reason, please drink lots of water for the first 24 hours after surgery. You may resume taking your other regular medications the day after the surgery unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

Do’s and Don’ts

You may watch television or read as much as you like.
Do not get any water in and around the eye for 2 weeks. You may use a washer to clean your face but do not get any water in your eye.
Do not wash your hair for at least once week. After the first week, you may go to the hair dresser to get your hair washed- make sure no water goes into your eye.
Do not rub your eye as this may open and enlarge the incision.
Do not do any heavy lifting- no more than 3 full shopping bags
Do not do any gardening for at least 2 weeks.

Eye Protection

After the surgery, a shield will be put in place to cover and protect your eye.
Sunglasses should be worn during the daytime to protect the eye from any wind, dust and debris from entering the eye. You should put the shield on at night when you are sleeping as this will prevent any accidental eye rubbing.
Despite antibiotics given to you during and after your surgery, you still have a 1 in 500 chance of an infection. If you notice any worsening pain, swelling, light sensitivity or loss of vision please contact your eye surgeon on their mobile immediately. We are here to help you so please do not hesitate to contact us if you are worried or have any queries.

Frequently asked questions after surgery

1. Am I allowed to drive?

You should not drive for the first visit after the operation. Please discuss this further with your doctor.

2. When can I get new glasses?

Your glasses will need to be changed usually 3-4 weeks after surgery.

Telephone:

Cataract Surgery