Along with the preparations for cataract surgery, there are a few things you should avoid in the days before your procedure:
Because cataract surgery requires the lens to be sliced, some little bleeding may occur. While this is normally not a problem, your ophthalmologist may urge that you discontinue taking aspirin or anti-clotting medications prior to your treatment for your own safety. Having said that, you should always see the physician who prescribed your drugs prior to discontinuing their usage.
You should refrain from using contact lenses for at least three days before surgery and instead opt for glasses. Contact lenses increase your risk of irritating your eye, which may delay or obstruct cataract treatment. You can learn some more tips about cataract surgery at https://www.personaleyes.com.au/cataracts/cataract-surger yAvoid wearing makeup, face lotions or creams, or aftershave on the day of your operation.
In addition to your 12-hour fast before cataract surgery, you should refrain from alcoholic drinks such as wine, whiskey, or beer for at least 24 hours before your cataract surgery.
Are You Allowed to Brush Your Teeth Prior to Cataract Surgery?
Yes, brushing your teeth before cataract surgery is OK. If you have been instructed to fast before surgery, you should drink as little water as possible and avoid drinking anything while cleaning your teeth or immediately thereafter.
What Are the Proper Clothes for Cataract Surgery?
While you are free to wear anything you like to your cataract surgery, we suggest wearing clean, comfortable, and loose-fitting clothes. Having a button-up shirt might be beneficial, since the fluid used to wash out the cataract may periodically trickle down and dampen your clothes. With this in mind, it may be prudent to pack an extra shirt in case you need a change of clothes after the procedure. Click here to read a good post about the risks and advantages of cataract surgery.
My five most important guidelines for a rapid recovery after cataract surgery
If you wish to recuperate quickly after cataract surgery, you’ll want to read this page. In it, I offer my five best ideas for assisting my patients in recovering as quickly as possible following cataract surgery. They include the following:
- 1. Avoid panicking before to or during cataract surgery.
- 2. Understand which drops to take and when to take them.
- 3. Anticipate a grainy sensation in your eye after cataract surgery.
- 4. In the weeks after cataract surgery, engage in fun activities.
- 5. Schedule your follow-up appointments concurrently with your cataract surgery.
1. Remain calm!
Almost usually, cataract surgery is performed on one eye at a time. Individuals may still operate rather well with one eye, and you are not need to remain at home for the whole four weeks after surgery to take your drops. Your eyesight will gradually improve, and you will notice an increase in the clarity of your vision and the vibrancy of the colors around you. I often find that individuals are significantly more calm when it comes to having their second eye operated on. They know what to anticipate at this stage, and it’s never as horrible as you think.
2. Be aware of the drops you must use (and when) after cataract surgery.
Do not be hesitant to question the surgical staff at the hospital if you are still unsure about which drops to take or how often to take them. I do cataract eye surgery on patients who have ordinary cataracts and no other eye disorders, as well as on patients who have severe glaucoma and other significant eye diseases. Each scenario requires a unique set of counsel and instructions, so you will never be expected to ask a “silly inquiry” or just know what to do. Before you leave the hospital, it is a good idea to have the instructions written down and to have them given to you face to face. If you are unclear or confused, please inquire. As a surgeon, I would rather that you were completely clear about the drops than that you become nervous at home due to some ambiguity or source of concern.
3. Anticipate a grainy sensation in your eye after cataract surgery.
Although modern cataract surgery is extremely technological and competent, it is still an operation, and you may experience discomfort in your eye. It is totally typical for the eye to feel gritty, like to sand, for many days after surgery. Use the drops as directed and, if necessary, paracetamol or your regular medicines to get you through the first few days. Avoid making comparisons between how your eyes feel after a cataract surgery and those of other friends or family members who have had the same treatment.
Each of us heals somewhat differently after cataract surgery. Even within the same patient, the experience of the first and second eyes might vary in the days after surgery. We do not anticipate you to have significant eye discomfort or edema, which should always be reported promptly to your expert.
4. In the weeks after cataract surgery, engage in fun activities.
Following cataract surgery, there are relatively few absolute no-nos. For instance, most surgeons advise not swimming for three to four weeks after surgery to minimize the risk of infection. We are not implying that you must remain at home alone with your thoughts. It is OK to engage in recreational activities during the weeks after cataract surgery. As long as these activities do not interfere with your ability to insert your drops, they are completely safe. I am often asked “when can I drive,” and the official response is as soon as you can see a number plate at the appropriate distance and are certain that the operated eye does not interfere with the other eye. The DVLA does not define a timeframe and relies on individuals to be prudent and adhere to the standard eyesight standards for driving a vehicle.
Conclusion
If you have gotten cataracts, the only method to safely remove them from your eye is via surgery. Fortunately, cataract surgery is a safe and effective option for patients who have lost visual acuity due to cataracts. Knowing what to do to prepare (and what not to do) before to surgery helps ensure that you have the best possible experience. Additionally, it is critical to understand the dos and don’ts after cataract surgery. To learn more, visit our blog.