Post-cataract surgery care

CATARACT EXTRACTION AND LENS IMPLANTATION SURGERY

Thank you for entrusting your care to VisuSense Ophthalmologists. We understand the power of sight, and just as importantly, we understand the disability and frustration that comes with any loss of sight. We will look after you and guide you through your journey toward improved vision.

Follow is the information needed for your cataract surgery:

BEFORE SURGERY

1. The rooms will obtain medical aid authorisation for your cataract surgery. If you need to phone yourself, all codes will be given.
2. Email the admission form to Cure Day Wilgeheuwel hospital – wilgeheuwel@cure.co.za. Pinehaven requires an online admission – www.netcare.co.za/mynetcare-online, or you can visit the reception before your surgery for help with your admission.
3. Please make sure to fill in your authorisation on the pre-admission form and the anaesthetist form.
4. Take medication as prescribed unless told not to by your ophthalmologist.
5. Remember to bring your medical aid card and ID to the hospital.
6. Do not eat or drink 6 hours before the surgery. Regular chronic medication should be taken with a sip of water.
7. Ensure you have someone to drop you off and pick you up.

DAY OF THE SURGERY

1. Please do not wear any make-up and come in comfortable clothes. You will have to change into theatre clothes.
2. Take all your chronic medication as usual unless advised not to by your doctor.
3. You will need to fill out a hospital consent form for the surgery.
4. You will have an eye pad and shield on your eye after the surgery; this must stay on.
5. You may experience mild pain or discomfort; take 2 Panado’s or Stilpane as prescribed.
6. If you experience SEVERE pain or nausea, please contact the practice immediately or go to Pinehaven / Wilgeheuwel Hospital casualty.
7. Start using the eydrops as prescibed 6 hours after your surgery. Please remove your eye pad,
   instill the drops and then place the eye pad back over the eye.

POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Please instill all your drops as prescribed – your doctor will inform you what length of time you need to instill your drops.
2. You need to wait 5-10 mins between the instillation of different drops. After instilling drops – keep your eyes lightly closed for 3 mins.
3. You will have a check-up according to your needs. Check-ups will be on day 1 or 2, week 1 (if necessary) and weeks 4-6 after the surgery.
4. Your post-op visit will be either at Pinehaven Hospital or West Rand Eye Centre, where you will be reviewed by Ina, the Optometrist. If it is necessary, she will book an appointment with your doctor.
5. Please avoid sleeping on the side of the operated eye for a full week.
6. The eye shield must be placed over the eye at night for 5 days after surgery.
7. Please avoid picking up heavy objects, holding your breath or increasing your intra-abdominal pressure for any reason. Also, avoid rubbing the operated eye and strenuous exercise for a full month.
8. Avoid exposing your operated eye to dirty water for at least 4 weeks postoperatively. Normal clean bath / shower water may be used around the eye 1 week after surgery. Wash hair backwards in the bath.
9. It is normal to experience light sensitivity, blurriness, and haloes for a few days after cataract surgery.
10. Please note that your spectacle prescription will change after cataract surgery – once the eye has stabilised, Ina will write you a letter for your optometrist (usually 4-6 weeks post-surgery) to alter the specs.
11. In the interim, over counter reading spectacles should help with reading.