5 Ways To Prepare For Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a common and effective method for treating cataracts. The surgery itself is not overly complicated and is done as an outpatient procedure— meaning you’ll be able to go home after the surgery without any kind of hospital stay. There are a few things to keep in mind to prepare for your surgery to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Ask Your Doctor Any Questions You Have About the Procedure
Before you go under the knife, you’ll want to know what exactly your doctor is going to be doing to your eyes. They will likely explain the procedure, which involves a small incision in the eye, breaking up and removing the cataract, and replacing the clouded lens with an artificial one. If you have any questions about this process and what to do beforehand and afterward, ask your doctor well in advance of your surgery date. Knowing how to care for yourself before and after the surgery is vital, and if anything is unclear to you, ask for clarification. Your cataract surgeon wants to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible before your procedure.
Tell Your Doctor What Medications You Take
It’s important for the doctor performing your surgery to know what medications you take regularly, as some can interfere with the procedure. Your doctor may ask you not to take a certain medication the day before or the day of surgery. Follow whatever instructions your doctor gives you about the medication you are taking. This is important and will reduce complications!
Take the Eye Drops Prescribed to You
Before cataract surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe eye drops to take in order to prep your eyes for surgery. Be sure to use these drops as frequently as your doctor tells you to. These drops are to prevent potential infection from the surgery, so it is very important to take them as infection can be a pain to deal with!
Arrange Transportation
It is not advisable to drive yourself to and from the procedure. Normally a numbing agent is applied to the eyes to prevent any pain during surgery, but your doctor can give you a relaxant as well. After surgery, you may not be functioning at full capacity, and the eye that has been treated will be covered and unable to see. Be sure to arrange your ride well before the surgery date so you won’t have to find someone last minute. You’ll want to relax and not worry about how you’ll get home after your surgery.
Eat and Get a Good Night’s Sleep the Night Before
Your doctor may not want you to eat up to six hours before the procedure. If the procedure is early in the day, this will mean no breakfast. It is important to eat a good meal the day before. It’s critical to get a good night’s sleep— being too sleepy the day of the procedure may make things difficult for both you and the doctor performing the procedure.
If you’re looking to have cataract surgery, contact Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction for a consultation!
