Cataracts

Preparation for cataract surgery

  • You will not have to change out of your everyday clothes. Just wear something comfortable and non-constricting: a buttoned shirt and loose-fitting trousers are best.

    Wash your hair prior to having your procedure as you are not to get your eye wet for three days after the surgery.

    Please keep jewellery to a minimum, no make-up and preferably no nail polish.

  • Yes, you will need to fast for the procedure: no food or drink for 6 hours prior to your admission time for intravenous sedation.

    You may have clear fluids only (water, black tea or coffee, clear apple juice) up until 2 hours prior to surgery. If you are instructed to take your regular medications, please do so with sips of water.

  • The entire procedure from arrival to departure should approximately 2-3 hours.

    Cataract surgery is most often performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation.

IF YOU FEEL UNWELL OR HAVE A SEVERE COLD OR FLU:

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SURGEON, OR CALL OUR THEATRE TEAM ON 02 6600 1000 TO DISCUSS POSTPONING YOUR PROCEDURE.

 What to expect on the day

On the day of admission

On the day of your procedure, your first stop will be at reception where our administrative staff will take any necessary payment or complete paperwork to be signed. Once this is done, one of our nurses will carry out pre-surgery checks with you. Part of this procedure will include you having eye drops.

The pre-operative procedure

The anaesthetist will meet with you and will take a brief medical history, explain the types of anaesthetic used, the risks involved and the type of anaesthetic suitable for you. At this point, you should tell your anaesthetist is you have had any adverse reactions to anaesthetics in the past.
A light intravenous anaesthetic will then be inserted in the arm and eye drops will be continued as per the doctor’s orders.

The post-operative procedure

After surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery room to manage the effects of the sedation and local anaesthesia. After this you will be moved to second-stage of the recovery phase, where you will be offered a beverage and light refreshments.
Most patients are ready to leave within an hour after the surgery is completed.

 Surgery

 What are possible side effects or complications?

As with any type of surgery, complications can happen. Your Ophthalmologist will make every attempt to minimise complications. Your surgeon will outline the specifics to you, not to alarm you, but so you are fully informed on whether this type of surgery is right for you. Serious complications, however, are rare and are usually resolved with additional treatment.

Are there any restrictions after surgery?

Recovery is quick and you may resume near-normal activities almost immediately. The only restrictions that you must observe are as follows:

In the first 24 hours

• Do not make important decisions or sign legal documents

• Do not drink alcohol

• You must have a responsible carer with you

In the first 3 days

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery

• Do not wash your hair (to avoid getting soap in the eye)

In the first week after surgery

• Do not rub or press on your eye

• Do not jar or stress the eye

• Do not work in the garden

• Do not go swimming

In the first 2 weeks after surgery

  • Do not do any strenuous activities

Aftercare follow-up

You will receive a follow-up phone call the day after your procedure, as well as 4-6 days after to see how you are doing. The doctor will want to see you for a post-operative appointment in approximately three weeks. This will be made for you in advance and advised to you on the day.