Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed surgeries in the United States. Like the surgery and recovery process, preparation for cataract surgery is relatively easy and straightforward. At Beach Eye Medical Group, we strive to make the entire process as easy as possible. One of the ways we do this is by helping you understand what to expect before, during, and after your cataract surgery. The following is an overview of how to prepare for cataract surgery.
Before your cataract surgery, you’ll meet with our board certified cataract surgeon, Dr. Shah, for your pre-operative examination. During this appointment, Dr. Shah will examine your eyes, confirm the presence of a cataract, and review with you what your options are for cataract surgery. An extensive folder reviewing your options and what to expect will be given to you. You will return for one more visit to perform a series of tests to gain an understanding of the size and shape of your eye. These painless tests are important both for planning the surgery and for selecting the best IOL fitting for your eye. The length of your visit and the number of tests performed will be determined by your choice of standard cataract surgery with wavefront refraction, laser cataract surgery, and/or custom cataract surgery . We will give you directions to and details of the surgery center where you will be having the surgery. You will also sign a consent form confirming that you are aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of surgery.
Finally, you will receive a prescription for antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use after surgery to reduce your risk of infection and facilitate the healing process. We will work with your schedule to determine your surgery date.
If you choose to have the CLEAR upgrade (Custom Lens Exchange and Astigmatism Revision), Dr. Shah will discuss which type of intraocular lenses are available and which one will best suit your needs and lifestyle. This will include premium IOL’s, which are not covered by your insurance company. We will help you understand the pros and cons of each lens so you can make an informed decision.
You won’t be able to drive after your surgery, so you should arrange for someone to drive you home afterwards. A post-operative visit will be done within the first 24 hours at our office in Huntington Beach. While the recovery process is easy and usually painless, you will be asked to avoid bending and lifting for two weeks after surgery. As such, you may wish to arrange some extra help with household duties for the first few days following surgery. You should also wear a shield and/or sunglasses and avoid getting water in the eye to protect your eye for two weeks after surgery. A final postoperative visit will be scheduled with the optometrist approximately one month after surgery to update your final glasses prescription as needed.
There are a few things that you may be asked to do immediately before your procedure. These include
If you have any questions or concerns about your surgery, don’t hesitate to call our office at any time before or after your cataract surgery – our team is here to help and support you during this process. At Beach Eye Medical Group, we want you to See the Best!
We serve patients in Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Irvine, and Newport Beach, as well as other Orange County and Los Angeles communities including Fountain Valley, Westminster, and Costa Mesa.