Tips to Make Preparing and Recovering from Cataract Surgery Easier

Finding out that you have cataracts isn’t something that you hoped you would ever here or check off your bucket list. But as a condition that nearly half of Americans over the age of 80 live with, cataracts are very common. Although there are some non-invasive treatments that can be used to treat early stages of cataracts, sometimes surgery is the best option.

One of the best ways for patients to prepare for any type of surgery is to know both how to prepare and how to recover afterward. To help make your cataract surgery go a little smoother, we have created a brief article listing a few pre-op and post-op tips.

Pre-Op Tips

During your initial consultation at Longwood Eye & LASIK Center, we will go over all of the pre-op instructions and send you home with a detailed packet. To reiterate, make sure that you use any prescription antibiotic eye drops as directed before surgery; this will help you reduce any chances of infection. Additionally, we may encourage you to fast and avoid any drinks for about twelve hours before surgery. As another tip, make sure that you arrange for someone to either go with you to surgery or pick you up afterward. If you need help finding arrangements, notify our office beforehand and we can help.

Post- Op Instructions

For the first few days after surgery, your eyes may itch, ache, or be otherwise uncomfortable— this is a normal part of the healing process. Make sure that you take all prescription medications including medicated eye drops. It’s fairly normal for patients to have discolored or skewed vision for the first little while after surgery— this is just your eyes trying to get used to the new intraocular lens. After just a couple of days, you should go back to feeling like your normal self. If for some reason your vision or symptoms get worse, contact our office right away.

If you recently found out that you need cataract surgery, use these pre-op and post-op tips to help ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. If you want to learn more about cataract surgery or cataract surgery recovery, schedule an appointment at our Athol office and call us at 800-676-5050.