Before Surgery: Prior to surgery, you will meet with your surgeon in the office for a “pre-operative visit.” At this time, we will take measurements of the eye and help you decide what type of new lens (IOL) would be best for you.  You will be prescribed some eye drops to start taking three days before surgery is scheduled. These drops are used to help prevent infection and decrease inflammation after surgery. We can answer any and all questions you have about your upcoming surgery at that visit.

The Day of Surgery: You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight prior to surgery. You will arrive at the surgery center about 1.5-2 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. The eye will be numbed and dilated with several drops. You will also be given medication through an IV to make you comfortable and relieve any anxiety. You will be awake for surgery but should be comfortable and without pain. The surgery itself generally takes 10-15 minutes, or slightly longer for more complicated cases. Once surgery is complete, you will be taken to a post-operative recovery area for about 30 minutes prior to being discharged to home.

After Surgery: Generally, we place sunglasses over the eyes after surgery to decrease your light sensitivity and protect the eyes. Most patients do not require a patch over the operative eye. You will start your post-operative drop regimen later in the day after getting home. A protective eye shield will be placed over the operative eye at night time. We will then see you the day after surgery to ensure everything is healing appropriately. Most of the healing happens in the first week after surgery but it can take up to a month to completely heal from cataract surgery. We will be monitoring the healing of the eye closely over this time.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, surgery in each eye is typically done 2-6 weeks apart to allow healing of the first eye.