How to Get Ready for Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is the most widely performed eye surgery in the United States, according to AllAboutVision.com. A cataract results in blurred vision as the lens becomes progressively cloudy, and patients opt for surgery to restore their vision. In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and a synthetic lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL, is implanted. Preparation for the outpatient procedure includes a series of eye exams and deciding what type of lens implant to get.

Instructions

• 1

  Get an examination from the eye surgeon. The ophthalmologist examination is separate from that of your eye doctor, or optometrist, and will follow your discussion of cataract surgery with your eye doctor.

• 2

  Inform the eye surgeon of any medications or nutritional supplements that you're taking. Certain medications such as alpha blockers could trigger unwanted effects during cataract surgery. The surgeon may request that you discontinue medications and supplements for the brief time before and after surgery.

• 3

  Choose the type of implant to replace your natural lens. The choices are a regular single-vision IOL or a multifocal type. Your age, general eye condition and lifestyle may influence your decision. Patients older than 40, for example, are often affected by presbyopia, the inability of the eye to focus sharply on nearby objects as the lens loses elasticity with advancing age. A multifocal IOL can correct presbyopia.

• 4

  Weigh the costs and benefits of premium IOL implants such as multifocal types. Premium implants can reduce and even eliminate the need for glasses, but this option significantly increases the cost of surgery, according to AllAboutVision.com.

• 5

  Prepare for another eye exam that will determine the specifications and power of the IOL implant. For multifocal IOLs, a series of tests may be necessary to exclude any possible contraindications or other vision conditions that may affect the performance of the implant. The exams also aim to ensure that the IOLs are accurately implanted during surgery.

• 6

  Be prepared for a separate procedure for each eye. If both eyes require cataract surgery, the procedures must be performed at least a week apart to allow for healing and post-treatment evaluation.

• 7

  Skip breakfast and avoid drinking any liquids before surgery. Arrange for someone to transport you to and from surgery.

• 8

  Arrive with a clean face and eyes, free of any makeup. Regardless, the surgeon will cleanse and sterilize the eye just before the procedure.

• 9

  Cancel all other plans for the day of surgery and plan to take at least one more day off work for recovery. The actual implant requires only 10 minutes, although the total duration of the outpatient procedure is about 90 minutes. The patient is then allowed whatever time he needs in the outpatient recovery area.

• 10

  Plan to wear a protective eye shield while sleeping or napping for at least one week after surgery. The surgeon will provide the shield and special shades to wear in sunlight.