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Surgeon

CATARACT SURGERY

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW?

Frequently Asked Questions-Cataract Surgery: FAQ

BEFORE SURGERY

Q: CAN TAKE ASPIRIN (or Plavix), COUMADIN (WARFARIN) or other blood thinners BEFORE AND AFTER MY SURGERY? 

     A: You may continue to take your blood thinners prior to cataract surgery.


Q: CAN I EAT OR DRINK BEFORE SURGERY?

     A: You may have a light meal up to 6 hours and clear fluids up to 3 hours prior to surgery.  


Q: DO I TAKE MY MEDICATION ON THE MORNING OF SURGERY? 

     A: You may take any medication on the morning of surgery with a sip of water with the exception of diabetic medication. Diabetic patients will receive special instructions regarding their medication from the nurse at the hospital after surgery.


Q: CAN I WEAR EYE MAKEUP BEFORE SURGERY? 

     A:Please do not wear makeup on the day of surgery. 


Q: HOW LONG WILL I BE ON EYE DROPS? 

     A: You will use prescription eye drops for 1 month after your cataract surgery. You will receive specific instructions and prescriptions for your eye drops at your pre-op appointment.

DURING SURGERY

 Q: WHERE WILL I HAVE MY SURGERY? 

     A: Your surgery will take place at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital. 


Q: HOW LONG WILL I BE AT THE HOSPITAL THE DAY OF MY SURGERY? 

     A: Plan to be at the hospital for up to 3 hours.


Q:  WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? 

     A:  Wear a loose fitting top and no jewelry. You will be given a hospital gown for the procedure.


 Q: WILL SURGERY HURT? 

     A: There should be no pain during surgery and you should feel relaxed from sedation. You may feel mild pressure. 


Q:  WILL I BE AWAKE DURING SURGERY? 

     A: The surgery is done with sedation. You may doze off,  and feel very relaxed during surgery. 


Q: HOW DO I KEEP FROM BLINKING DURING THE SURGERY? 

     A: We use a gentle device that will support and keep your eyelids open for the surgery.


Q: WILL IT HURT AFTERWARD? 

    A:Minor discomfort, headaches and/or scratchy eyes are common after surgery.  Tylenol may be taken.


Q: WILL I GET STITCHES?

    A: Most cataract surgeries use small self-sealing incisions. Occasionally your surgeon may decide to use a temporary suture if needed. This suture is removed in the clinic at a later date. 


Q: CAN BOTH EYES BE TREATED AT THE SAME TIME?

     A: No, only one eye will be treated at a time. The second eye can be treated approximately 2-4 weeks later, after the first eye has stabilized.

AFTER SURGERY

Q: WILL I BE WEARING A PATCH AFTER SURGERY? 

      A: You will wear an eye shield after cataract surgery for 3 nights  while you sleep. 


Q: HOW SOON WILL I SEE AFTER SURGERY? 

      A: Vision is usually blurry during the first few days after surgery. In most patients their vision clears up significantly within the first week. 


Q: WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK? 

      A: This varies among patients. Many patients can return to work the following day after cataract surgery depending on their job.


Q: WHEN CAN I RESUME MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES? 

      A: Most patients can resume normal activities the day after cataract surgery. This includes walking, reading, cooking and watching TV.  Avoid heavy lifting (>20 pounds), straining, deep bending at the waist, strenuous exercise or swimming  for 1 week after cataract surgery. 


Q: WHEN CAN I DRIVE AFTER MY SURGERY?

      A: You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after surgery. Be prepared to have someone else drive for you if your vision is not sufficiently clear after 24 hours. 


Q: WHEN CAN I GO TO THE MOUNTAINS OR RIDE IN AN AIRPLANE?

     A: High altitude and air travel pose no problems after cataract surgery. We generally prefer that you stay in town for at least two weeks after your cataract surgery in the rare event you have a postoperative complication. 


Q: WHEN CAN I WEAR MAKEUP? 

     A: Avoid any eye makeup for 1 week after cataract surgery.


Q: WHEN CAN I SHOWER? 

     A: You can shower and wash your face the day after cataract surgery.

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