• Pre-Surgery Questions
• Surgery Questions
• Post-Surgery Questions

FAQs about Cataract Removal – Before, During, and After your Visit to the Eye Doctor at our Florida Practice

Cataract Removal – Pre-Surgical Questions

Should someone accompany me on the day of surgery?

Though it is not absolutely necessary, we recommend that you bring someone with you on the day of cataract removal surgery. If you do come alone, our staff will be more than happy to assist you.

How long will I be at St. Luke's the day of my surgery?

The time requirement for pre-surgical testing varies greatly, but most patients should plan to be at St. Luke's between 8-10 hours from the beginning of testing to discharge.

What should I bring with me the day of surgery?

We recommend that you bring the following when coming to St. Luke's for surgery:

• Friend or family member (someone to help with paperwork, driving home, etc.)
• Medicare or insurance cards
• Medication – enough for the time you will be away from home
• Current prescription glasses (even if not worn presently)
• List of prescription medication including dosage and strength
• Lunch or snack (or visit the restaurant in our building)
• Sweater or jacket
• Reading material or busy work

I take several prescription medications, including a blood thinner. Should I continue these before surgery?

Yes. Take all prescription medications as you normally would.

I wear contact lenses. May I wear my contacts until the day of surgery?

No, your contact lenses may change some of the measurements we take before cataract removal surgery. Please stop wearing soft contact lenses at least one week prior to surgery, and hard lenses two weeks prior to surgery.

May I eat before surgery?

Yes. We recommend that you eat before arriving and bring a snack, bagged lunch, or eat at the restaurant on the second floor. Please be sure to follow your specific dietary restrictions. For Diabetic patients, your blood sugar will be checked prior to surgery. Abnormal blood sugar results may necessitate rescheduling of your surgery.

May I wear makeup?

Please do not wear any makeup on the day of surgery.

I'm on oxygen. Should I bring it with me?

Yes, bring more than enough oxygen for an 8-10 hour stay at St. Luke's.

I live a long distance from St. Luke's. How long must I stay for follow-up care?

Patients having routine cataract surgery may usually leave the area within one or two days after surgery. If you do plan on going home immediately after surgery, please make arrangements for a qualified eye doctor to provide follow-up care in your area.

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Surgical Questions

Will I feel anything during surgery?

Dr. Gills has developed special solutions that numb the eye. Most patients feel only gentle pressure during cataract removal surgery at our Florida practice.

What do I see during surgery?

Most patients only see the bright lights of the microscope.

Will a cough prevent me from having surgery?

It is very important that you do not cough unexpectedly during the procedure. Before cataract removal surgery, we can provide you with throat spray or a cough suppressant.

May I have medication for my nerves?

It is not required, but some patients do request medication to help them relax. If you do elect to take medication for your nerves, please have someone accompany you to the clinic if possible.

Will I need to have blood drawn before the surgery?

We do not routinely draw blood unless there is a specific indication.

I was told to take antibiotics before receiving dental work. Should I take them before eye surgery also?

Unlike the mouth, the eyes are very clean. You will not need to take antibiotics unless instructed by your doctor before the operation.

How soon may I leave after having cataract removal surgery?

Most patients are able to leave within an hour of having cataract removal surgery at our Florida surgical center.

I was told I need surgery on both eyes. When may I receive treatment for my second eye?

You may have your surgeries one day apart.

Will I be able to see immediately after the operation?

Most patients' vision is quite blurred after the surgery from the dilating drops and bright microscope lights.

What will happen before I'm discharged?

After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where we will assess your vital signs (pulse, blood pressure etc.) and check your eye pressure. At this time, we will also explain your postoperative instructions and medications to you and a friend or family member. Afterward, an attending eye doctor at our Florida practice will examine your eye or we will make arrangements to check you the following day.

My back keeps me from lying flat. What position must I be in for the surgery?

We will need you to lie down for surgery; however, our experienced OR team has worked with virtually every medical condition that presents special needs. We will be able to work with you to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Does every patient need an implant?

The vast majority of patients require an implant to replace the natural lens or cataract. Only in very rare cases of extreme nearsightedness is an implant not required.

May I drive myself home?

Though it is usually not recommended, some patients who see well out of their other eye and have not had any medication may drive.

Sometimes my blood pressure gets high when I'm nervous. What happens if it's too high?

If we are unable to manage your blood pressure with medication, your surgery may be postponed until you consult with your primary physician.

Do I need a physical before surgery?

Yes, on the day of surgery a staff physician will assess your general health so we can grant medical clearance for your surgery.

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Post-Operative Questions

Did I receive a lens implant during surgery?

Intraocular lenses are required except in very rare cases of extreme nearsightedness.

What material is my implant made of?

Most of the implants used at St. Luke's are made of either silicone or PMMA (plastic).

Will the implant need to be replaced in the future?

The intraocular lens implant will remain in your eye permanently and will not "wear out.”

Can my eye reject the lens implant?

No, since the intraocular lens is not made up of human tissue, your body cannot reject it.

Was a laser used to remove my cataract?

Your cataract was removed by ultrasound, not laser. In a process called phacoemulsification, sound waves were used to gently break up the cataract before it was removed from the eye. Lasers are currently being developed to remove cataracts.

Should I wear my old glasses after surgery?

Wearing your old glasses will not harm your eyes, but will probably not give you optimal vision either. Most patients find it best to wear glasses only for reading.

How come my close-up vision isn't as good as my distance vision?

Your ability to see well up-close depends on the type of intraocular lenses you received. For most IOLs, it is normal to require reading glasses after cataract surgery.

Is it safe to resume activities such as golf and reading?

Yes, we encourage you to resume normal activities as soon as you wish. Routine activities such as bending and lifting will not harm your eye.

How soon may I resume driving after surgery?

For most cataract surgery patients, vision improves significantly in the first 24 hours after surgery. You may drive as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.

Is it safe to fly after cataract surgery?

Flying after cataract removal surgery will not harm your eye.

When may I wear make-up again?

You may wear lipstick and powder immediately after surgery. However, you should avoid eye make-up for two weeks after surgery.

Is it safe to have my hair done or get a permanent?

Yes, as long as you take sensible precautions to avoid chemical contact with your eyes.

Why does it feel like there is something in my eye after my surgery?

During cataract removal surgery, a microscopic incision was made on the surface of your eye. When you blink, you may feel a slightly scratchy sensation until the incision heals. After surgery, many patients find that using artificial tears helps to alleviate discomfort.

The eye drops that I was instructed to use after surgery sting my eye. Is this normal?

It is common for some eyedrops to burn or sting. You should continue to use your eyedrops as prescribed. However, if your discomfort seems to be worsening, or you experience a decrease in vision, call your eye doctor at our Florida practice. Some patients find that using “artificial tears” five minutes before placing medicated drops in the eye decreases irritation.

After surgery, I noticed a spot of blood on the white of my eye. Should I be concerned?

The white part of the eye (sclera) is covered by a clear layer of tissue (conjunctiva). When a tiny blood vessel breaks, the blood becomes trapped below the conjunctiva. Since the tissue is clear, the blood is clearly visible. If this were to happen on your arm, you would have a blue or purple bruise because the skin is not transparent. This will not affect your vision and will gradually resolve on its own.

On the way home from surgery I saw huge halos around all the lights. What causes this?

This dramatic glare was due to the fact that your pupil was still dilated from the surgery. After dilation wears off, vision should return to normal.

My glare problem has improved dramatically since the surgery, but I still occasionally notice halos or streaks on lights at night. What causes this?

There are many factors that can cause glare. A slight need for glasses (refractive error) is one of the most common reasons you may notice slight glare at night. Also, some patients experience minor corneal swelling after surgery that may cause temporary glare.

Since my surgery a few weeks ago, everything has a pink tint. What causes this?

This pink tint is due to slight swelling in the retina and is not uncommon after surgery. It will gradually go away as you use your postoperative eye drops. However, always contact your eye doctor at St. Luke's if you notice a change in your vision. Since sun exposure can aggravate this problem, it is also important to protect your eyes with sunglasses when outdoors

Why does everything have a blue tint since surgery?

Patients with cataracts see their world through a yellow tint. It's just like wearing yellow-tinted ("blue-blocker") sunglasses, which block colors from the lower end of the color spectrum (blues and violets). When the cataract is removed and replaced with a clear implant, you will see these unfamiliar colors again. This is much more dramatic for some patients than others.

If you have additional questions about cataract removal surgery, please speak to an eye doctor at our Florida practice.

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