What to expect DURING and AFTER your cataract and premium lens replacement surgery -2022

Summary

This script offers a comprehensive guide for patients undergoing cataract or premium lens replacement surgery. It addresses common fears and provides a detailed walkthrough of the surgery process, post-op care, and what to expect at each stage. The emphasis is on the expertise of the surgical team, the importance of following post-op instructions, and the use of specific eye drops to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal vision improvement.

Takeaways

• 😌 Cataract or premium lens replacement surgery is a common procedure performed hundreds of times each month by a specialized team of nurses, staff, and eye surgeons.
• 🛏️ On the day of surgery, patients will be checked in, receive medication to relax, and undergo a painless procedure using eye drop anesthetic.
• 👓 An eye kit is provided post-surgery, containing cool shades for light sensitivity and an eye shield to wear while sleeping to prevent accidental eye rubbing.
• 💧 Patients are instructed to use over-the-counter artificial tears frequently after surgery to keep the eye moist and promote healing.
• 💊 Medicated eye drops, specifically PMB (containing prednisolone, moxifloxacin, and bronfenac), are crucial for post-operative care and should be used as directed for a month.
• 👁️ The number of eye drops in the provided bottle is substantial, but proper application is key to not running out prematurely due to improper technique.
• 🚫 It's important not to rub or squeeze the eye hard after surgery to avoid complications with the self-sealing incisions.
• 🧼 Normal activities like washing the face, showering, and light exercise can be resumed soon after surgery with gentle caution around the eye area.
• 🚫 Makeup and sunscreen on the eyelid should be avoided for one week post-surgery to prevent irritation and potential infection.
• 🔍 Vision will be blurry immediately after surgery but should significantly improve by the morning after, with further gradual improvement over the first month.
• ⚠️ Any sudden drop in vision, increased redness with a drop in vision, or nausea and vomiting post-surgery should prompt a call or visit to the surgeon's office.

Q & A

What is the typical emotional state of patients scheduled for cataract or premium lens replacement surgery?

Patients are often nervous, apprehensive, and scared, which is considered normal given the nature of the surgery.

How often does the surgical team perform cataract or premium lens replacement surgeries?

The team performs these surgeries hundreds of times each month, as it is their specialty.

What is included in the eye kit provided after surgery?

The eye kit includes a pair of cool shades for light sensitivity, an eye shield to prevent rubbing the eye during sleep, and a roll of paper tape for securing the eye shield.

Why are patients given a tablet of Valium before surgery?

Valium is given to help patients relax, stay calm, and may even induce sleepiness, which can be beneficial during and after surgery.

How is the surgery performed in terms of anesthesia?

The surgery is performed using eye drop anesthetic, making the procedure painless for the patient.

What are the instructions for using the medicated eye drop called PMB after cataract surgery?

Patients are instructed to use PMB three times a day for the first week, and then once a day for weeks two, three, and four, totaling one month of usage.

What is the purpose of using artificial tears after cataract surgery?

Artificial tears are used to keep the eye moist and to help accelerate the healing process, as the surgery can cause dryness and irritation.

How should patients instill eye drops correctly?

Patients should tilt their head back, pull down on the lower eyelid, look up, and let gravity allow the drop to fall into the pocket formed between the eyelids and the eyeball.

What activities are patients allowed to do after cataract surgery?

Patients can look around, read, use a computer, watch TV, wash their face, take a shower, bend over, pick things up, carry things, lift things, and walk, as long as they are gentle around the eye area.

What are the main things patients should avoid doing after cataract surgery?

Patients should avoid rubbing their eyes hard, squeezing their eyes tight, and applying makeup on the eyelids or mascara on eyelashes for one week after surgery.

What symptoms should prompt a patient to contact the office after cataract surgery?

A sudden drop in vision clarity, increased redness in the eye accompanied by vision loss, or significant nausea and vomiting are symptoms that warrant contacting the office.