Pre-operative Cataract Surgery Instructions
Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest and most reliable types of surgery in the history of medicine. At Deen-Gross Eye Centers, people can enter our practice with clouded, distorted vision and emerge with crystal clear vision, thanks to all-laser cataract surgery and advanced intraocular lens (IOL) technology. Some cataract patients actually achieve the best unaided vision they have ever had in their lives, making their cataracts a blessing in disguise.
Like any surgery, cataract surgery does have some risks. These risks can be mitigated, however, by patients’ following the pre- and post-operative instructions provided to them by Dr. David Gross to the absolute letter. By following these instructions, patients not only minimize the risks associated with cataract surgery, but they help to ensure the speed of their recovery and the ultimate success of their procedure. This is why our doctors provide patients with extensive pre-operative cataract surgery instructions during consultations at Deen-Gross Eye Centers in Merrillville. This way, they can know exactly what to expect before the procedure and make informed, confident decisions about whether to proceed with surgery.
What to Expect before Cataract Surgery
Prior to your surgery, we will prescribe eye drops that you will have to take in the days leading up to your surgical appointment. These will include an anti-inflammatory eye drop and an antibiotic eye drop. You will pick these eye drops up from your pharmacy along with any other prescribed medication for use after your surgery as soon as they are ready for you. You will then use the eye drops exactly as recommended.
On the day of your cataract surgery, you should not eat or drink anything within eight hours of your scheduled surgery; if you take oral medications, these may be taken with a small sip of water. Diabetics will probably be advised not to take their medications as usual because they will not be eating before surgery. You should not take aspirin at all within two weeks of your surgery or any blood thinners within three days of your surgery.
You should arrange to have someone drive you to and from our office on the day of your surgery as you will be sedated during the actual procedure and unable to operate a vehicle afterward. Please do not wear makeup, jewelry, hairpieces, or a shirt that you will need to pull over your head to remove. Otherwise, dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing.
The surgery itself takes only about a half hour from beginning to end. However, you should be prepared to spend two to three hours in our office, including time to recover from surgery. You will be able to leave that day with the person you chose to drive you to and from our office.
Learn More about Pre-operative Cataract Surgery Instructions
To learn more about pre-operative cataract surgery instructions, or to schedule your initial consultation with one of our esteemed eye surgeons, we invite you to contact Deen-Gross Eye Centers today.