Facing a cataract surgery is anxiety-inducing. Even when you know cataract surgery is routine, even when your eye doctor has reassured you multiple times, there is still a part of you that feels a little uneasy. That is completely normal. Most people scheduled for the procedure feel some version of that.
What tends to help is not pretending the nerves do not exist, but showing up prepared enough that they do not run the show. So here is what that preparation looks like.
Understand What You Are Getting Into
One of the biggest contributors to pre-surgery anxiety is knowing what to expect, so let’s start there.
Cataract surgery works by removing the clouded natural lens in your eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens or IOL. The entire procedure is performed with a local anesthetic and usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes for each eye. This means that you will be awake and have no feeling during the operation.
The only other aspect that requires real consideration is which type of lens to use. The most common lens type is a monofocal lens. This is typically the recommended type of lens for anyone who has cataract surgery and needs a new lens.
If you would like to decrease the amount of time you wear glasses after your cataract surgery, however, you may want to consider premium lens types like multifocal lenses or extended depth of focus lenses.
If you currently have astigmatism, you may want to consider the option of having a toric lens, which will specifically correct for your astigmatism.
When making your decision about which type of lens to use, ensure you have discussed every lens choice you have with your eye doctor. It is necessary so that you fully understand the various types of lenses available, and how they will impact your vision after your cataract surgery.
Speaking of decisions, if you are still figuring this whole process out, including how much to budget, looking into cataract surgery cost Singapore is a practical starting point for comparing what standard and premium IOL options cost before you commit to anything.
Do Not Breeze Through Your Preoperative Examination
The preoperative exam where your surgical team takes the eye measurements needed to calculate the exact power of your intraocular lens. Accuracy really matters here because this is where your visual outcome hinges.
Your care team will also check the overall health of your eyes during this visit, looking for things like age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy that could complicate recovery.
Come prepared with a full list of everything you are taking, including supplements. Things like vitamin E and ginkgo biloba can act as blood-thinning medicines, and your surgeon needs to know about them before the surgery date.
If you wear contact lenses, expect to be asked to stop using them for a stretch beforehand. They subtly change the shape of your cornea, which throws off your eye measurements. And if there are questions you have been meaning to ask but keep forgetting, write them down and bring the list. There is no better time.
Sort Out the Practicalities Before the Day
Since this procedure will require you to be sedated, you will not be able to drive home afterwards. Make sure you have someone you trust to pick you up from the surgery centre.
If you can, have them stay with you during your first night home. You may also use a rideshare service as a backup plan—just be sure to book it ahead of time to avoid any last-minute issues.
Be sure to follow the fasting rules that your surgical team will provide. Believe it or not, there is usually no food or drink for (at least) several hours before the procedure. This is a very important part of your preparation for surgery, so listen closely to these rules.
And if you are on blood thinners or any medication that might need to be paused, loop in your primary care doctor early so everyone is on the same page well before surgery day.
Set Up Your Recovery Space Before You Leave the House
You won't want to take time to rearrange after returning home, so do this prior to returning home. Remove clutter and dangers of tripping from pathways that you will be using most often. If your surgeon has prescribed antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drops, make sure these medications are filled and waiting before surgery.
Your surgeon will likely give you a protective eye cover for when you sleep, particularly the first week after surgery. Make sure to use this as directed.
Plus, limit skincare products in the region around your eyes for a while as well and avoid all strenuous activity, heavy lifting, engaging in physical activity, and repeatedly bending over until you have been cleared by your physician. Activity limitations have reasons for being imposed, and pushing through these limits has serious consequences.
Experts are also looking into the positive effects of a double cataract surgery. While this isn’t really a major thing yet among doctors, you may encounter these recommendations. At least you know what to expect about recovery.
Keep Every Follow-Up Appointment
After leaving the surgical centre, you are just beginning your recovery. Follow-up appointments with your care team are designed to monitor your healing progress.
Most people heal just fine. However, you may have something develop later called “Posterior Capsule Opacification”. This condition occurs when the lens capsule behind your intraocular lens (IOL) becomes cloudy and begins to obscure your vision.
If PCO occurs, it can be treated quickly and painlessly using a procedure called YAG Laser Capsulotomy. This is a very simple laser procedure performed in our office.
The important thing here is to identify any problems early on. It is extremely important that you notify us immediately if you have any vision problems between your office visits, and do not wait until your next scheduled appointment.
Final Thoughts
Preparation does not make everything perfect. But it does mean you are not walking into this blind, figuratively speaking. You know what the procedure involves, you have asked your questions, sorted your logistics, stocked your eye drops, and arranged your follow-ups. That is not a small thing.
By the time surgery day comes, your one job is to show up and let your surgical team do theirs.
