Cataract surgery- post-operative care
You will usually rest in a chair/bed with a cup of tea or coffee but will be able to go home after an hour or so.
The protective shield can be worn for the first few nights.
It is safe to read, cook and watch television.
Avoid heavy physical exertion.
Do not rub the eye or get dust in to the eye.
It is safe to have a shower or bath, try not to get soapy water in your eye.
Do not resume driving unless you are advised that it is safe and you feel confident to do so.
Promptly report any pain or sudden deterioration in vision.
Eye drops will be needed for a few weeks. Sometimes oral medication is also given to reduce the eye pressure.
Two types of drops are generally given- an antibiotic drop called chloramphenicol to reduce the risk of infection. This is used 4 times/day for 2 weeks and then stopped.
Another drop is a steroid drop called dexamethasone (Maxidex). This is to reduce the inflammation in the eye. This is used four times a day for 2 weeks and then twice a day for 2 weeks and then stopped.
Your eye may feel gritty, watery and have a foreign body sensation. If you have eye pain or headache then a normal painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken (as tolerated). They eye may be sensitive to light for a few days to some weeks and you may prefer to wear sunglasses to help.
I call my patients the next morning to make sure all is settling well and to answer any other questions that you may have.
An outpatient appointment is arranged within the next 2 weeks to review. Some people will need their eyes checked within the next few days depending on individual situation.
Patient Feedback
I had cataract surgery to both eyes. I also had upgraded trifocal lenses in both eyes. I am very happy as the cataract symptoms have now gone and I do not need glasses at all. I sit at a computer 90% of my working day. Before the surgery I could not see the screen without glasses and now I do not need them at all.
I am writing to thank you for the care and attention you afforded me recently to remedy the cataracts in both eyes and the astigmatism in my right eye. Throughout you explained clearly your thoughts and proposals for my treatment and set clear expectations about the outcome from the two operations. The expectations you set for long distance and short sight distance have not only been met but been exceeded. I am delighted with the outcome. The two operations were painless and I would recommend anyone who has to undergo such treatment not to be concerned. At all times you provided excellent patient care. As you know I am engaged in the IT industry and in my view the two most important facets to success is the technical solution provided and working closely with my clients. Clearly you have immense technical knowledge and in addition managed to make me feel at ease, comfortable and consequently I gained complete confidence with you. I have been wearing glasses and / or contact lenses for over 50 years and to be able see normally without either is a fantastic feeling. Mr Goyal thank you again for the excellent care you provided to me. If ever the opportunity arises I would be happy to recommend you.
I recently underwent surgery for a cataract in my R eye following a very frightening experience where I had developed complete loss of vision in my R eye over a period of 2 hours. Mr Goyal provided not only incredible expertise but kindness and a sense of humour throughout,I cannot recommend him highly enough.
It was a pleasure to be treated by Mr. Goyal. I was completely relaxed throughout both of my cataract operations performed by him. All went well and true to his word he telephoned me the next morning the ensure that all was well.
Saurabh Goyal is a charming man and an excellent surgeon who exudes quiet confidence in his undoubted abilities. When he successfully carried out bilateral laser iridotomy on my eyes I decided that he was the only surgeon I would choose to perform my cataract surgery. His attention to detail throughout has been meticulous and nothing has been too much trouble for him on my behalf. He is, in short, an immense credit to his Profession.T.D.Ireland B.Sc.,C.Eng.,F.I.Mech.E.