Mr. Oculus is here to ensure your operation goes off smoothly and that the outcome is just what you and your doctor desire. Read on for the top tips that will keep your eyes ship-shape before and after the surgery.
The diagnosis is in and the decision to operate is taken. Congratulations, for surgery is the one way to get your eyesight-and your life-back on track! Yes, I get it that you’re feeling nervous. Anyone would whenever there’s a surgery involved. It’s only natural and you, dear readers, are entirely within your rights to feel this way. To tweak an old saying: prevention is better than cure, I would say, good prevention and preservation will go a long way in enabling the cure (the surgery) to yield the results we want.
None of this is rocket science-it’s good old common sense, and with just a little commitment, entirely and easily achievable.
Please note that most cataract surgeries are performed under topical or local anaesthesia (it means you are conscious while the doctors are operating; only the operated area has been numbed to avoid pain). On the other hand, there are a few challenging cases where general anaesthesia (the patient is put into a deep sleep) is administered. This is usually in the case of very young kids or emotionally disturbed/mentally challenged adults who are not in a position to comprehend the procedure, its protocol or the consequences.
Pre-surgery: keeping infections and lenses at bay
Eat well and stay happy..
The best news first: since most cataract surgeries are performed under local anaesthesia, the dietary restrictions are next to nil. So, you can pretty much eat what you usually do. If diabetic, you need to be mindful and avoid food that may spike or affect your blood sugar levels.
But please be sensible !
That said, we recommend keeping a low profile and staying away from social gatherings where the chances of bumping into patients with contagious infections are pretty high. Also, do avoid any high-risk activities that are likely to cause trauma to the eyes. (Outdoor sports, long hours at the computer etc. Speak to your doctor about what he or she is ok with!)
Breaking contact with the contact lenses: Now here comes the not-much-fun part for habitual users of contact lenses. They will have to stop wearing the lenses about 15 days before the surgery because it can affect the results. You see, a contact lens is essentially a foreign body in the eye and regular use would result in inflammation. So, it’s best to discontinue it for a couple of weeks beforehand. Yeah, I get it. It’s an inconvenience-but trust me, this is absolutely necessary.
But no need to stop the other medications… Of course, this is not a one-size-covers all blanket rule, but in most cases, the other medications you are taking are not likely to be discontinued by your ophthalmic surgeon. Since cataract surgery is considered a “bloodless” operation, the blood thinners that are stopped in other surgeries may not be stopped. Also, it’s mostly a day-time procedure that takes hardly about 25 to 30 minutes and you are likely to be sent home in a few hours.
The medication you’re likely to get: This could include anti-inflammatory and antibiotic topical drops a few days before the operation. What this will do is dilate the pupil and facilitate a wider visualisation of the cataractous lens and make the surgery easier.
On the Day of Surgery:
- Reaching on time helps with all the pre-surgery checks and reduces the stress.
- Carry your medical reports and investigation papers. Your doctor will review them one last time before the procedure starts.
- An easy-to-digest meal or eating light food will keep you comfortable during the surgery.
- Fresh and ready! Wash your hair before surgery, as no head baths for the next few days is advised.
- When choosing outfits… wear something loose or with a wide neck or front buttons so nothing touches or strains your eye.
- It is best to avoid wearing any kind of ornaments, makeup and accessories, keeping the face clear and hassle free.
Post-operative discomfort: Please be patient and bear in mind that even if you have had your other eye operated upon some time back, the post-operative phase for each surgery is likely to be different. A dull ache and some discomfort in the first 24 hours above your eyebrow or a headache are normal. Watery eyes as well as a sensation of having something in your eye, particularly when blinking is likely for a few weeks. Please do not take aspirin, though!
Have a helper on hand: This is very important post-surgery when you return home and overnight. The anaesthesia can slow you down and your operated eye could be patched. This can affect certain domestic tasks, including cooking and pouring hot water-both of which are best avoided. You are also at risk of falling down, so always have a friend/family/attendant on hand for 3 or 4 days post surgery.
Precautions post-surgery:
Now that we have been through the surgery, a little more care will be needed to avoid any untoward consequences.
Please leave your eye pad on for as long as you are instructed and listen carefully to instructions on how and when to use eye drops and how to clean your eyes.
Avoid public and crowded places and driving: This reduces the chances of contracting infections or getting into an accident. Besides, driving attracts dust which isn’t good for your eyes right now.
Yes, your movement is likely to be restricted for the moment, but we agree that it’s all for the best!
Best to wear protective glasses/goggles as prescribed by the doctor, of course. This is especially important to avoid pollution as well as the rays of the sun.
Post-operative follow ups and medications must be followed scrupulously for best results.
TV or reading…depends on case to case. Limiting screen time (both TV and mobile) is best – follow what your doctor advises you.
Hand hygiene must be carefully followed while administering drops.
Dealing with water: In case of watery or itchy eyes, gently wipe with a sterile cotton swab. No shower baths for the first 10 days. It’s safest to take a bath below chin level and use a wet towel for your face-away from the eyes. No washing your eyes for 10 days though. After 10 days, you can shower but with closed eyes. Swimming, on the other hand, is best avoided for close to 6 weeks post-surgery.
And needless to say, say bye to your eye makeup for a few days.
Until the doctor lets you know that you can follow a normal routine, here is a list of things to avoid during recovery;
- Any vigorous activity.
- Rubbing or touching the eye; definitely do not put your fingers into the operated eyes!
- Lifting heavy stuff for 15 days post-surgery.
- Sleeping on the same side as your operated eye for a week. We recommend either your back or the opposite side.
- Bending your head lower than your chest for two weeks.
- Applying pressure to the eyes while putting in the drops.
- Alcohol
Progress week on week:
- In the first week: Wear protective glasses at all times and avoid crowded and dusty places. You could start reading and watching TV-but after checking with your doctor. At the end of the first week, you could consider walking in a clean, restricted and safe area–once again, with doctor’s approval only! No cooking or dealing with hot water/heat in any form though!
- In the second week: Most normal activities may resume. Be sure to inform the doctor if your vision deteriorates suddenly or majorly; if there’s a sudden pain in the eye or a yellowish discharge.
While I have taken care to cover most salient points, a few issues could differ from case to case. Please be sure to share your specific questions and concerns with your doctor-better safe than sorry!
Reference: (Assorted research papers, medical sites and news reports.)