Day of Surgery

After you arrive, you will be escorted to the pre-operative area where a small intravenous tube
(I.V.) is started and monitors are applied to yourheart. This is routine, standard medical care. If necessary, you will receive medication to relieve anxiety. A small injection may also be
administered below the eye to anesthetize it for surgery or the eye may be numbed with the
application of drops only. After the medicine takes effect your cataract surgery will be
performed in the operating room. You will then spend a brief time in the recovery room, where you will be able to eat, drink, and spend time with your family.

You will begin using prescribed eye drops shortly after surgery. The day after your surgery, the physician will examine the eye and proper medications and instructions will be given.
The date for follow up office visits may also be arranged at this time.

Recovery
Depending on your type of surgery and specific situation, complete postoperative recovery ranges from approximately a few weeks to three months. Most patients have good vision
after the first day to several days. At the end of your recovery, a final refraction is done to determine your eyeglass prescription. Small refinements in glasses may be required as
the eye continues to heal.

Normal daily activities may be resumed within a day or two following surgery. Heavy or strenuous physical activity should be avoided for the first several weeks, including extreme bending or lifting of more than 20 pounds.

After surgery, cataract patients should avoid touching or rubbing the eye. Sunglasses are helpful for bright days. You will be given a metal or plastic shield to wear while sleeping.

Eye drops will be prescribed post-operatively. These medications are intended to lessen inflammation, prevent infection, aid comfort, and promote normal healing. All medications should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Always bring medications and instruction sheets to all postoperative visits.

Complications

As in any surgical procedure, a small element of risk exists. Complications, (e.g., blockage
of blood vessels, retinal detachment, corneal decompensation, macular swelling, bleeding, and infection) can occur during surgery or in the healing phase after surgery in spite of the
best care. It is impossible to predict in which patients these complications will occur. A
very rare complication is the possibility that the intraocular lens will require removal or repositioning. Remember, no operation of any sort can ever be performed without risk. Fortunately, serious complications are rare.