Your Cataract Procedure
Going Home
Cataract surgery is a same day procedure—you’ll probably be in and out of the surgical facility within a couple of hours. Dr. Buzard will inform you of any special preparations for surgery. You will need to arrange for a ride to and from the surgery since we will be giving you medicines that may impair your ability to drive. On the morning of surgery, try not to eat anything heavy which is likely to upset your stomach; avoid dairy products, tea and coffee. Toast is a good suggestion. Take a thorough bath or shower and wash your hair. Soak your eyes with a warm washcloth for at least 10 minutes and lightly scrub your eyelashes and eyelids to remove any debris that may be present. Wear loose comfortable clothing; pants are preferred for women. Avoid clothing that is tight or may constrict around the chest area. For women, avoid makeup of any kind. In addition avoid jewelry, particularly necklaces or earrings, since they may catch on the drapes and cause you injury.
Before Surgery
You’ll need to sign a consent form indicating that you understand the risks and possible complications of your surgery. You will be given a sedative to help you relax and a medicine to reduce pressure in the eye. You will be asked to wash your face and lightly scrub your eyelashes and eyelids with an antibacterial soap to remove any debris that may be present. We have provided chairs that massage you and you should take advantage of the time before surgery to relax. Before surgery, your eye will be numbed completely and a special device called a "Honan Balloon" will be placed on your eye, creating a gentle pressure for about 10 minutes.
During Surgery
Although you’ll be awake during the surgery, your eye will be numb so you will feel no pain. You will be given oxygen to help you breath and a special monitor will constantly measure your pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. You will be covered with a special sterile drape to avoid infection, and you will be under constant supervision by an anesthesiologist or nurse who will be seated next to you. Surgery progresses quickly, and while many noises may be audible, surgery is over in a matter of minutes. All you have to do is relax and hold still! When the surgery is over, the drapes will be removed and an ointment will be applied to the eye. Don’t be concerned if you do not see much right after the surgery, a side effect of the numbing of the eye is reduced vision for a few hours. A patch with a shield will be placed on the eye and you will be taken out of the operating room. After surgery, you will be offered something to eat and drink to raise your blood sugar and will be observed for a short time.
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