Pre-cataract surgery
- Inform your doctor of your current medications
- Let your doctor know whether you are diabetic or on blood thinning medication. The doctor will advise if and when you need to stop.
- Return Hospital Admission forms to clinic as soon as possible. We will forward the papers to the hospital.
On The Day of Surgery
- Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before your operation
- Do not apply make up
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Anticipate being at the hospital for approximately 4 hours from the time you are asked to arrive
- Leave valuables at home
Post Cataract Surgery
Dr. Phakey
Post-operative Instructions:
- Rest overnight-You may watch TV and read.
- Do not shower until after your post-operative visit with Dr. Phakey.
- Keep eye padded.
- For mild discomfort please take Panadol or Panadeine as required.
- For SEVERE pain or other concerns call Dr. Phakey on 9886 5522.
- BRING your drops to your first appointment with Dr Phakey (which is usually the day following surgery)
- Commence drops after the first appointment as directed by Dr Phakey, i.e.:
- Chlorsig eye drops: 1 drop 4 times a day- to operated eye
- Prednefrin Forte eye drops: 1 drop to operated eye 4 times a day ten (10) minutes after chlorsig drops. Shake well before using
Continue with the eye drops until Dr Phakey tells you otherwise
- Place eye shield on at night for the first 4 nights following surgery. Secure with tape.
- Activity instructions- You may be able to resume driving 2 to 3 days following surgery but check with Dr. Phakey on the first post-operative appointment. Avoid lifting heavy objects for three weeks. No swimming until after one week appointment with Dr. Phakey.
- PLEASE DO NOT RUB YOUR EYE.
- Please place your prosthetic card in a safe place for future reference.
Dr. Lim
Following your surgery:
After your cataract operation, you will wear a patch over the operated eye overnight. Leave this patch on and this will be removed at your morning appointment. The operated eye is generally quite comfortable. However some patients notice a gritty sensation or mild pain. You can take some paracetamol (Panadol or Panamax) to ease the discomfort.
Severe pain that is not relieved by paracetamol is not common. Should this occur, please contact Dr. Lim on 9886 5522.
Severe pain that is not relieved by paracetamol is not common. Should this occur, please contact Dr. Lim on 9886 5522.
- Resume your usual medications after your operation unless instructed by your doctor.
- You can watch television and read after the operation.
- After the eye patch has been removed the next morning, you can wash your hair. Keep your eyes closed to prevent water from entering the eye.
- You should not play sport for at least 2 weeks after the operation. Discuss this with Dr. Lim at your appointment.
- Please bring your eye drops to your appointment the day following your operation. Please also bring some sunglasses (if you have any). This will make glare from sunlight more comfortable.
- You will have 2 bottles of eye drops to use after your surgery. BOTH eye drops are to be used four times daily. Leave 2 minutes between the eye drops. Dr. Lim will let you know when to stop your eye drops.
Dr. Bathija
Post-operative Instructions:
- Please take eye pad off late afternoon & start eye drops. Keep eye shield on at all times.
- Use one drop from each bottle 5 minutes apart.
- Repeat drops at bedtime & again in the morning.
- Bring all eye drops to post-operative appointment.
- Take Diamox as directed.
- Take Panadol for any discomfort
- Please contact Dr Bathija if you have any concerns.
- Do not be alarmed if you get double vision. It is only temporary.
Dr. Thean
Following your surgery:
After your cataract operation, you will wear a patch over the operated eye overnight. Leave this patch on and this will be removed at your morning appointment. The operated eye is generally quite comfortable. However some patients notice a gritty sensation or mild pain. You can take some paracetamol (Panadol or Panamax) to ease the discomfort.
Severe pain that is not relieved by paracetamol is not common. Should this occur, please contact Dr Thean on 9886 5522.
Severe pain that is not relieved by paracetamol is not common. Should this occur, please contact Dr Thean on 9886 5522.
- Resume your usual medications after your operation unless instructed by your doctor.
- You can watch television and read after the operation.
- After the eye patch has been removed the next morning, you can wash your hair. Keep your eyes closed to prevent water from entering the eye. Do not get water in the eye for the first week.
- You should not play sport for at least 2 weeks after the operation. Discuss this with Dr. Thean at your appointment.
- No swimming or gardening for 4 weeks.
- Please bring your eye drops to your appointment the day following your operation. Please also bring some sunglasses (if you have any). This will make glare from sunlight more comfortable.
- Wear a plastic shield provided over the eye in bed for 1 week. Use normal sticky tape to secure.
- You will have 2 bottles of eye drops to use after your surgery. BOTH eye drops are to be used four times daily. Leave 2 minutes between the eye drops. Dr. Thean will let you know when to stop your eye drops.
If you have any problems, severe pain or swelling or loss if vision, then please contact your Doctor
on 9886 5522.
Anaesthetic
Following intravenous sedation and/or General Anaesthetic:
A small amount of anaesthetic may still circulate through your body following your procedure for about 24 hours. This means that you need to take the following precautions for the next 24 hours:
A small amount of anaesthetic may still circulate through your body following your procedure for about 24 hours. This means that you need to take the following precautions for the next 24 hours:
- Do not drive a motor vehicle, as you may not be covered by insurance.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not take sedatives unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not sign any legal documents as your judgement may be impaired.
- Do not operate machinery including power tools.
A relative or friend should stay with you for the next 24 hours and you should not be responsible for the care of another person (child or adult) during this period.
Pain Management:
Although it is uncommon to have any pain after ocular surgery, should you develop pain once you are home and were not prescribed any pain relieving medication you may take mild analgesia such as Panadol or Panadeine, following the instructions on the box. Contact your surgeon if you experience severe or unrelieved pain.
Usual Medications:
Please take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon or anaesthetist. Should you have any concerns please contact your surgeon.
After Effects of Anaesthetic:
You may experience
- A sore throat, which will be temporary and usually disappears within 24 hours.
- Muscle aches or soreness for up to 48 hours following the anaesthetic. These can be minimized by rest and restricted activity during this period.
If you have any concerns and are unable to get in touch
with your surgeon please contact your nearest hospital emergency department.
Other Information about Cataract Surgery
How soon can I drive after the operation?
Usually two to three days after the operation. This needs to be confirmed with the surgeon.
Can I wear my eye glasses afterwards?
Yes, they will help the other eye and will not do any harm. Sunglasses should be worn outdoors or when exposed to glare.
When do I get new glasses?
Some people will not need to use glasses after the surgery, but if you do, you can visit your optometrist when you have finished the eye drops.
Can I lift and bend? Can I garden?
Yes, you can bend but avoid heaving lifting for three weeks. Wear protective glasses when gardening.
Will I be able to play golf? When will I be able to bowl?
You are able to play golf and bowls after two days.
Can I wash my hair? Can I go to the hairdressers?
Yes, two days after the operation.
When can I recommence wearing make-up?
You can wear make-up usually after you have seen your doctor at the first post-operative appointment.
How soon can I have the next eye done?
You can usually have your second surgery two or more weeks after the first eye; when your surgeon is happy with the result.
Why do I have double vision?
This is very rare and may be due to the local anaesthetic used before the operation. This should only last a few hours but can last for up to 24 hours.
I have “flickers” out the side of my eye. Why?
This is due to the local anaesthetic used before the operation. This may last between 12-24 hours.
Why do I have blurriness or halos around lights?
This may be due to mild post- operative swelling on the cornea and dilation of the pupil. It usually improves in the first 48 hours and clears 2-4 weeks after surgery.
How soon can I drink alcohol after my surgery?
You can drink alcohol the day after surgery.
Can I watch TV or read after discharge from hospital?
Yes
How soon can I swim (salt water and chlorine) after surgery?
One week after surgery.