How To Prepare For Cataract Surgery: Everything You Need To Know

Trying to think about how to prepare for cataract surgery? Sure, it can feel overwhelming, but it’s fine to feel some nervousness before your procedure.

At Optegra, we understand these concerns and are committed to helping you feel confident and well-informed every step of the way. Our team of experts is here to address any questions you may have and alleviate any fears.

Good preparation not only makes sure of your physical readiness for cataract treatment but also helps foster a calm state of mind. It can also help with the recovery

So, let’s get ready for cataract surgery.

Preparing for Your Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a safe and transformative treatment. It can significantly enhance your vision and quality of life. At Optegra, we want to ensure that your journey towards better vision is smooth and stress-free.

Below are some important steps you should take prior to your treatment to ensure the best experience possible.

1. Pay Attention to Changes in Your Eyes: Inform your consultant if you do see changes in your vision, even if they seem minor. This can help us tailor your surgery and aftercare to your specific needs and improve results.
2. Stop Contact Lens Use: If you wear contact lenses, it’s crucial to stop using them 3 days before your surgery. Contact lenses can alter the shape of your cornea – this can impact the accuracy of pre-operative measurements.
3. Use Prescribed Eye Drops as Needed: It’s likely you may be prescribed specific eye drops before your cataract surgery. These drops help in preparing your eye and limiting any infection. Following the instructions that the medical team give you will ensure your eyes are in the best possible state for surgery.
4. Arrange Transport: Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the eye hospital on the day of the procedure. You will be unable to drive immediately after surgery. Having a friend or family member available to assist you at home post-surgery is also ideal.

Post-Operative Care: Familiarise yourself with the post-operative instructions given after treatment. This will include prescribed eye drops, wearing a protective eye shield, and avoiding strenuous activities right after surgery. Having a comfortable and conducive environment at home for your recovery is useful – Visit our blog for more useful tips for recovery after your cataract surgery.

What Medications Should Be Stopped Before Cataract Surgery?

Before cataract surgery, you should be aware of specific medications that may need to be stopped due to treatment. This will depend on your individual medical history and the guidance of your surgeon. The below may be discussed by your surgeon:

1. Blood Thinners: Such as aspirin, can increase bleeding risk during and after surgery. Depending on certain factors, these medications may be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before cataract surgery.
2. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen can also affect blood clotting and so be discontinued to minimise bleeding risk.
3. Certain Herbal Supplements: Some herbal supplements, such as garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng, may have blood-thinning effects. Be sure to inform your surgeon about any herbal supplements so a decision can be made on their use.
4. Alpha Blockers: Alpha blockers can affect the muscles of the iris, leading to floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery. Alpha blockers may sometimes need to be stopped before surgery.
5. Diabetic Medications: For people with diabetes, adjustments to insulin or oral antidiabetic medications are often recommended. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial during surgery.

Decisions about medication adjustments should be made by your surgeon in collaboration with your doctor, and any other specialists you may be seeing for other conditions. Do not discontinue any medication without proper advice, as it can have adverse effects on your overall health.

Always disclose your full medical history to your surgeon before your surgery.

What to Expect of the Pre-Op Assessment Before Cataract Surgery

The pre-operative assessment before cataract surgery is a crucial step in ensuring the procedure’s safety and success. Patients can expect a thorough evaluation that may include the following components:

1. Eye Measurements: The surgeon will assess the shape and size of the eye. Non-invasive techniques like optical biometry or partial coherence interferometry will be used. These measurements help determine the power and type of intraocular lens (IOL) needed for your vision correction. This measurement is usually done a few weeks to a month before the surgery.
2. Visual Acuity Test: An eye chart test is given to measure visual acuity and determine the extent of visual impairment caused by cataracts.
3. Slit-Lamp Examination: A slit-lamp microscope will be used to examine the front structures of your eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens. It helps assess the cataract’s maturity.
4. Dilated Pupil Evaluation: Here, the pupil is dilated to allow for a better view of the lens and retina. This helps the surgeon plan the surgical approach.
5. Biometric Data: These include corneal curvature and axial length measurement to refine the IOL calculations further.
6. Medical History and Medication Review: A detailed medical history will be taken. It is important to determine underlying health conditions, allergies, or medications you are currently taking.
7. Informed Consent: You’ll be provided with information about the procedure and possible complications. Once happy, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form, indicating your understanding and agreement to proceed with the surgery.
8. Surgical Planning: Based on the gathered information and measurements, the medical team will plan the surgical approach, including the type of IOL to be implanted, the surgical technique, and any specific considerations for your case. Your surgeon will discuss the different lenses available for your cataract surgery and help you determine which might be most suitable for your lifestyle and vision goals.

Do You Need Eye Drops Before Cataract Surgery?

You may need to use eye drops before cataract surgery. The use of eye drops is a common common in cataract surgery, helping the following:

1. Dilation: Use of eye drops dilate (enlarge) the pupil. This allows better visualisation of the cataract and the structures inside the eye during the surgery. It also helps the surgeon’s access to the cataract.
2. Infection Prevention: Some eye drops have antibiotics or antiseptic agents which serve to reduce the risk of infection. These drops are typically used in the days leading up to the surgery to prepare the eye and minimise the chance of infection while you’re having surgery.
3. Anti-Inflammatory: Sometimes, anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed. These reduce inflammation and swelling in the eye before surgery. This can help create a stable and healthy environment for the surgical procedure.

The specific eye drops you receive, and the duration of their use will depend on your surgeon’s preferences, your individual eye health, and any pre-existing eye conditions.

Foods to Avoid Prior to Your Surgery

At Optegra we provide local anaesthesia  therefore you do not need to make any dietary changes before your surgery. If you are having general anaesthetic at a different hospital you should follow their pre-operative dietary instructions closely.

Can I Drink Alcohol Before Cataract Surgery?

Ideally, avoid consuming alcohol before cataract surgery. Alcohol can have various effects on the body, including dehydration, interactions with anaesthesia and medications. There can also be potential adverse effects on the surgical process.

If you’re worried about your nerves, opt for a mild sedative to help relax during surgery.

What Do You Wear for Cataract Surgery?

The key is to be comfortable during surgery.

Clothing:

1. Loose and Comfortable Clothing: Easy to put on and take off and helpful when changing into the surgical gown.
2. Layers: Wearing layers is useful because the temperature in the clinic can vary.
3. Short-Sleeved or Sleeveless: Wearing a short-sleeved top can help facilitate the placement of intravenous lines and blood pressure cuffs during surgery.
4. Comfortable Bottoms: Select comfortable pants or shorts that are easy to put on and take off. Elastic waistbands or trackpants are practical during surgery.

Women are generally advised to avoid wearing makeup, especially eye makeup, on the day of cataract surgery. Makeup can increase the risk of infection and interfere with surgery or anaesthesia.

Footwear:

We advise comfortable and supportive shoes with non-slip soles. It helps patients walk safely and comfortably before and after the surgery.

Jewellery and Accessories:

Remove all jewellery, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, before the surgery. These items can interfere with the surgical equipment.

Eyewear:

If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, bring a case for them as you’ll need to store them.

Change of Clothes:

Bringing a change of clothes for after the surgery can make you feel more comfortable when you’re ready to leave the facility.

What next? Get in touch for free, no-obligation advice.

If you’re suffering from cataracts, why not contact us to see if we can help? Our friendly and experienced patient services team is waiting to offer advice on how we can provide treatment quickly and comfortably. Or learn more about cataract surgery with Optegra.