Although there have been several accounts of successful cataract surgery from professional surgeons, it might cause further complications if your surgery goes wrong. Many cataracts patients could not get the perfect result they desired because they approached the surgery without proper preparation.
To have a healthy outcome from a cataract surgery session, you need to know your actual eye care needs and know how to work with your eye surgeon to get the best results at the end of the surgery.
So, how do you prepare for successful cataract surgery? Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you have a perfect surgery with zero confusion.
1. Write down the changes in your sight
It is imperative to examine your eye’s health before you advance to have eye cataract treatment. Meanwhile, you can begin the preparatory watch about two weeks before the surgery date. The essence is to note the symptoms of cataracts or any sign of infections in your eyes.
It is recommended that you know precisely what effect or damage cataracts have caused your sight ever since you have discovered the eye ailment. For instance, if you notice any form of redness, unusual discharge, or sensitivity, it is good to note them down and disclose it to the surgeon before the cataract surgery starts. That way, you will give the surgeon a clearer headway to conduct a safe and perfect surgery.
2. Discuss your medication
Ideally, you are not expected to take any medication unless your doctor prescribed it accordingly. Self-medication can be a considerable hindrance in the cataract surgery process and can also affect the result of the surgery making it less productive.
Let me be the one to tell you that the kinds of drugs you take before you attend a cataract surgery matter. Some medications might cause you to bleed during the cataract surgery or interfere with the outcome. Before the cataract surgery commences, it is best to let your doctor know what kind of medication you have been using so that he can also attempt to treat other symptoms of severe eye conditions.
3. Eye drops can help
Depending on the level of cataract damage to your sight, you might need to use eye drops before the cataract surgery session. Sometimes, eye doctors prescribe antibiotics for cataracts patients to start using them some days before the actual surgery. Suppose you are working with a professional doctor. In that case, he will guide you through the routine of the eye drop medication to make sure that you sternly adhere to the professional instructions of the doctor to apply the eye drop as indicated.
Eye drops help prevent eye infections, and they can be immensely contributive in the entire cataract surgery procedure. You can also use the eye drop on the surgery day, but it has to be an explicit instruction of the surgeon. Click here to read about The connection between diabetes and cataracts.
4. Avoid wearing contact lenses
it is not ideal for wearing contact lenses when surgery day is approaching. It can cause further irritation to your site and thereby bring complications as the surgery proceeds. Immediately you get a date from your surgeon, stop wearing contact lenses. And if you would have to wear it at all for any other exceptional reason, make sure you stop wearing it at least three days before the surgery takes place.
5. Dress moderately
Sometimes people dress up for surgery as if they were attending formal occasions. Of course, it is good to dress well, but not when going for cataract surgery. As a matter of fact, it is not ideal for dressing heavy when going for any surgery.
You look good the way you are, so it would be best to go for that surgery dressing in an attire that makes you feel comfortable and light. If you are a woman, avoid high heels. Instead, you can wear flat shoes with non-slip treading. You don’t need a clothing item that will make you too heavy or fragile.
More so, you don’t have to go for cataract surgery without a makeover. Remember, the doctor is going to work on your face, so make it easy for him. Also, you will have to avoid wearing cologne or perfume, aftershave, deodorant, hairspray, and the like to the surgery center. The aim is to keep your eyes clean and dry, ready for surgery.
6. Adhere to the surgeon’s fasting instructions
Most times, surgeons advise cataract patients to avoid eating or drinking when going for cataract surgery. Of course, there might be some other factors that may warrant that you eat before surgery but make sure it is an instruction of the surgeon.
If your surgeon asks you not to eat a day or night before the surgery, make sure you follow the instruction adequately. Aside from eating, it is not ideal for taking any alcoholic beverage such as wine, beer, or liquor before the surgery time. You need to abstain from anything alcoholic for at least 24 hours before the surgery.
Following your surgeon’s advice will help prepare your body to have a safe and successful cataract surgery within the shortest time possible. If you have any health complications that may require you to do otherwise, it is better to discuss them with your surgeon.
7. Ask questions
Your surgeon will discuss a few things with you before the cataract surgery takes place. While the preparation is going on, make sure that you ask every critical question to understand better what and how to do during the surgery procedure.
You need to fully understand the pre-operative instructions, what to expect during the surgery, and how to care for your eyes after that. That way, you will have a good surgery result.
One most important thing here is that you need to dress up in clothes that make you feel comfortable to have a pleasant surgery after all.
Final Words
Cataract surgery can be simple and even pleasing if there is a mutual understanding between the surgeon and patient. Meanwhile, proper preparation is key to having a successful cataract surgery that brings a lasting result. The above tips will get you prepared if you take to all the rules appropriately.
