You should tell your doctor about any health problems you have and medications you’re taking.
If you’re taking Flowmax® (tamsulosin), a medication commonly used for urine retention or prostate problems, tell your doctor as this can increase your risk of complications. Certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure, kidney stones and urinary symptoms can also increase complication risks.
Ask your doctor if you should stop any medications before surgery. If you’re taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, your doctor may do some blood tests before the surgery.
Tell your ophthalmologist if there have been any changes in your medications between the time of scheduling the surgery and the day of your operation.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops before cataract surgery. It’s important to remember to follow all your doctor’s instructions. These will probably include advice on fasting (not eating or drinking) before surgery. Tell your ophthalmologist if you have diabetes, as prolonged fasting may not be advisable and special arrangements may be made for the timing of your surgery.
If you have cataracts in both eyes, your doctor will usually operate on one eye before scheduling an operation for your second eye. Normally, your second eye will be done a few weeks after your first eye has recovered.
You’ll meet your anaesthetist before the operation to discuss the anaesthetic.
You’ll need to arrange for someone to take you home after your surgery, as you won’t be able to drive. You may need to wear an eye pad and plastic eye shield after the procedure. Your surgeon will advise you on post-operative care.
Selecting your lens
Well before the day of surgery, your doctor will make several calculations to determine the best type of lens to implant. You should make an informed choice about the type of lens that will be implanted.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.