Preparation for cataract surgery

Once you have been diagnosed with cataracts, your ophthalmologist will recommend you undergo cataract removal surgery as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to the the progression of cataract development and further damage to eyesight. Your appointment for cataract surgery will be scheduled after the eye surgeon has determined how advanced you cataracts and the type of IOL lens that will be implanted once the cataract is removed. 

The first step to preparing for cataract surgery is to ensure you have asked all questions you may have about the surgery and the recovery afterwards. For advice on what to ask the opthalmologist before surgery, please refer to this guide. 

When the patient is satisfied and an appointment is made, the patient should make preparations for assistance after surgery. Cataract surgery is not a dangerous procedure, and the results after surgery will restore vision to most patients, however immediately following any eye surgery vision is likely to be affected. 

After the cataract is removed and the IOL is implanted, vision will be cloudy for a few hours because of the eye drops used to dilate the pupil before surgery. After the cloudy vision is left, vision may still be obscured as patients are required to wear an eye patch for a few days post-surgery to avoid any irritation to the eye.

Patients are advised not to drive immediately post-surgery and it is advisable to arrange for somebody to accompany you home after.

Patients should also ensure that their home is prepared for their return after cataract removal. Make sure there are no objects that could be dangerous is vision is obscured. Patients should refrain from lifting heavy objects until the eye is recovered and should avoid bright lights. It may be advisable to position lamps strategically around the home before surgery to make the recovery process easier.

Eye drops will be prescribed to keep the eye clean and to prevent infection. Often ophthalmologists will provide patients with the prescription for eye drops before surgery to allow patients to collect the eye drops in advance. This can be discussed during your pre-surgery consultation.