My procedure
The day of surgery
Prior to surgery, you will be encouraged to continue your normal routine. There is no need to miss meals and you can usually continue to take your regular medications. Cataract surgery is performed in one of our state-of-the-art Vision Day Surgeries. On the day of surgery, you should wear some comfortable loose clothing as you will not have to change into a hospital gown. You will be looked after by a team of staff who specialise in caring for patients undergoing a day-surgery procedure
The procedure
Eye drops are put into the eye to dilate the pupil. A mild sedative can be given, if desired. A painless anaesthetic is then administered – either using eye drops or a local anaesthetic injection. On rare occasions a general anaesthetic may be required. You will feel drowsy, but may still be aware of voices during the surgery.
The actual surgical procedure we use at Vision Eye Institute is called phacoemulsification. It is the most advanced technique in use today. The main benefit is it allows the cataract to be removed through a tiny, secure opening no more than 3mm long. An ultrasonic probe, which vibrates at 40,000 times a second, is inserted through the opening. The ultrasonic action of the probe gently breaks the cataract up into tiny pieces, which are then suctioned out of the eye. The intraocular lens (IOL) is then inserted into position in the eye where it stays permanently.
Today, injectable lenses are often used, which can be inserted through a very small incision in the cornea -- this type of procedure dramatically shortens the recovery period. When your eye surgery is finished your eye will be protected by a shield which should be left in place until your post-operative visit with your surgeon the next morning.
Back to top
After surgery
After surgery you will be asked to rest for a while in a reclining chair and given something light to eat and drink. Your Vision Day Surgery nursing staff will explain the how to look after yourself in the post-operative period. They will also instruct you how to use the eye drops you have been prescribed.
Most people are able to leave the clinic within an hour of their surgery. As you will have received an anaesthetic, it is essential that you arrange for an adult to collect you and stay with you for 24 hours following your procedure.
Back to top
The day after surgery
You will need to come back for a post-operative visit the morning after your surgery. At this visit the eye shield will be removed and your vision and eye pressures checked. Your surgeon will also check the position of the lens in your eye and the surgical wound. You will have the opportunity to ask any further questions.
Back to top
Recovery and aftercare
As with all surgery, post-operative care is essential. It is very important that you take your eye drops as prescribed. Your surgeon may suggest wearing a protective eye shield for a few nights after the surgery to protect your eye. Many people find sunglasses are helpful. It is quite safe to read or watch television after surgery. Bathing or showering, and hair washing, are all quite safe. All you need to do is avoid any pressure on the eye. Physical activity may be resumed immediately, but strenuous exertion should be restricted for about one month -- moderate stooping is not harmful but straining should be avoided.
You will be asked to come back and see your surgeon for a check up about two to three weeks after your surgery. You may find your vision may be a little blurry initially, this is quite normal, as the healing eye needs time to adjust so it can focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye has a cataract.
With the new lens in your eye you may notice that colours appear very bright.. Removal of the cataract allows more natural light to enter the eye.. Within a few months after surgery, you will become used to the improved colour vision.
If you get any unusual pain or are worried about anything, please give us a call.
You will probably need to get the prescription in your glasses altered three to four weeks after the operation, our staff will advise you about this.
Back to top
