Eye surgeons and their staff work closely with patients before cataract surgery to ensure that patients understand the surgery and potential risks. After surgery, patients must know the aftercare procedure for cataract surgery so they will have every opportunity for healthy eyes and the best possible vision.
Eye Patch
Many eye surgeons patch the eye after completing the surgery. The patch should remain in place until the first post-operative appointment the day after surgery. The doctor's technician will remove the patch at the beginning of the visit. Some eye doctors will give instructions to remove the patch at another specified time, such as before bedtime or the next morning. Patients should follow the doctor's instructions as closely as possible.
Drops
Once the patch comes off, a drop schedule must be followed. Each doctor has a different set of drops they rely on after cataract surgery. Prior to surgery, the doctor will give samples or prescriptions of these drops. Usually, the doctor orders two or three drops for use on a specific schedule. Technicians will go over the schedule with patients, though most doctors gradually taper drop usage over a period of four weeks after surgery. The drops help to prevent infection and promote healthy healing of the surgical site.
Surgical Site
The small incision the doctor makes to remove the cataract does not require extra care. Eye surgeons do not close the wound with stitches, but use equipment that allows the wound to seal itself. Patients should not rub the eye or use any drops or ointments unless recommended by the eye surgeon.
Follow-Up
Eye doctors require that the patient return to the office the day after surgery for the first post-operative appointment. Technicians check vision and eye pressure because in some instances, intraocular pressure may increase after cataract surgery. The doctor will examine the eye briefly and recommend a follow-up appointment. Typically, after this first post-operative appointment, the doctor will want to see patients about a week after surgery, and again about three to four weeks after that. Timing of follow-up appointments depends on how well the eye heals.
Resuming Activities
Eye surgeons each have their own set of instructions relating to post-operative activities. Most eye doctors allow patients to return to work the day after surgery, following the first post-operative appointment. If patients have occupations that require heavy lifting, they should discuss the physical requirements of their job with the eye doctor to determine a schedule for resuming these duties.
Complications
Complications from cataract surgery are rare, though they do occur in some patients. The doctor expects blurred vision after surgery, but if patients experience sudden changes in vision, or vision that gets worse instead of better, the doctor must be notified. Mild surface irritation is normal, but if a deep ache develops, much like a "toothache" in the eye, patients should contact the eye doctor immediately.
