What Happens Before & After Surgery
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Your Guide to Cataract Treatment Procedures
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The sooner you have your cataract removal, the sooner you can start seeing clearly again. We offer cataract services in our eye center in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Recent studies have shown that the more cataract procedures a surgeon performs, the less likely he is to have complications of surgery. Dr. Christopher Tortora of the Hawaiian Eye Center has performed well over 10,000 cataract procedures and is one of the most experienced cataract surgeons in the state.
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Before Cataract Surgery
Before your procedure, we will give you instructions on how to prepare your eye. You will need to use some eye drops, clean your face on the morning of the surgery day, and eat very little breakfast. Diabetics will receive special instructions on diet and the use of their medicines. Someone should drive you to the surgicenter on the day of surgery, as you will not be able to drive home. We usually have transportation available if you arrange it in advance.
If you wear contact lenses, they must be out of your eyes for 1 to 3 weeks prior to cataract surgery. Please inform your doctor or the staff if you wear contact lenses so we can go over instructions on when to remove them before surgery. |
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After Cataract Surgery
With modern advances in cataract care, there are very few limitations on your activities after cataract surgery. You will need to use some drops for a few weeks and will get instructions both immediately and after surgery and on the day following the procedure.
After the procedure, it is best to rest since you will be tired from the effects of the anesthesia. However, it is ok to return to normal activities if you feel up to it. We recommend you wear something to protect the eye, avoid getting water in the eye or rubbing your eye, and cover the eye with a protective shield at night for the first several weeks to reduce the chance of injury.
It is ok to bathe after surgery, but avoid getting water in your eye. You may find that your vision is blurry at first or that you feel off balance from the changes in your eye. You may also temporarily see some spots in the vision, an arc or shadow in your peripheral vision, or other changes in your vision. This is normal and improves with time. You will be instructed to call immediately if you have any problems at all. There is always a doctor available to answer your call for emergencies.
Informed Consent
It is important for you to understand that no surgical procedure is without risk. Complications sometimes happen although they are rare. Most problems that occur can be corrected and only slow the healing process. Rarely, additional surgery may be required for the best possible outcome. In extremely rare and unusual cases, vision loss, chronic pain, and even blindness can occur due to complications of surgery. While the risks of cataract removal are small, the benefits are usually considerable. |
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Contact us in Wahiawa, Hawaii or in Hilo, Hawaii, for more information what you'll experience before and after cataract surgery.
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