DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS
PATIENT INFORMATION
Post Surgery
Discharge Instructions
Your vision may be blurry the day of surgery, it should slowly start to improve over the next 24-48 hours. After surgery your eyes may feel they have something in them, this is normal and it should be 80-90% better by tomorrow.
With any surgery there is a risk of infection. If your symptoms get worse instead of better (increase in discomfort and/or redness, or the vision doesn’t begin to clear). Please call the office right away if it is during regular business hours, or go to the emergency department if it is after clinic hours.
Clinic Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm (Mon - Fri)
Clinic Phone: 709.639.3937
Post Surgery
Eye Drop Instructions
Your eyes may sting when you put your drops in, this is normal.
Make sure you space your drops 5 minutes apart, this will avoid the second drops washing out the first drops.
Day 1 - Post Surgery: Take your drops every hour today when you are awake. Once you go to bed, you do not have to wake up to take your drops.
Day 2: Tomorrow you will start following the drop schedule given to you.
Regardless of the type of eye surgery, following an eye drop regime is an essential part of post-operative care as your eyes are more vulnerable to complications.
Download the post surgery eye drop schedule below. 👇
Post Surgery
Reminders
🫣 - Do not rub your eyes for any reason.
💦 - When washing your eyes, use a warm cloth and dab gently under the lower lid.
🚿 - You may shower as normal. Avoid letting water, soap or shampoo run into your eyes.
🏋️♂️ - Avoid heavy physical exertion and bending at the waist for extended periods.
🤿 - Avoid hot tubs and swimming pools for 2 weeks.
🥽 - You must wear your shield when sleeping for the first week.
😎 - Your eyes will be sensitive to light, wearing sunglasses will help.
👓 - If you normally wear glasses, that prescription will no longer work for you. You will need to get the lens popped out of the glasses.
🗓 - 4 weeks after both cataracts are removed; you can visit your optometrist to get your prescription updated.
Post Surgery
Frequently Asked Question
What happens if you run out of eye drops after cataract surgery?
Generally, you'll be provided with enough eye drops to last you for four weeks, and should continue using them until you run out. If you run out before the four weeks is up, then your GP will usually provide you with additional eye drops.
What happens if you don't use the drops after cataract surgery?
While cataract surgery is safe, achieving and maintaining such high outcomes requires patients correctly instill eye drops after the procedure—for which no standard currently exists. The potential lack of adherence to the postoperative drop regimen can lead to complications, the most devastating being endophthalmitis.
What is the most important thing to do after cataract surgery?
Keep water, soap, shampoo, hair spray, and shaving lotion out of your eye, especially for the first week. Do not rub or put pressure on your eye for at least 1 week. Do not wear eye makeup for 1 to 2 weeks. You may also want to avoid face cream or lotion.
Why do you need someone with you for 24 hours after cataract surgery?
This is so that the caretaker can stay with the patient and ensure there are no post-op complications, however rare they may be. Most patients are able to resume driving 24 hours after cataract surgery.
How long should I sleep with an eye shield after cataract surgery?
While home, you may be allowed to remove your eye shield, but you should wear it when sleeping for at least a week to prevent eye injury. Full recovery from cataract surgery should be complete in about a month, although it can take up to three months for your eye to be completely healed.
When can I bend over to wash my hair after cataract surgery?
When can I bend over to wash my hair after cataract surgery?
How can I wash my hair after cataract surgery without getting water in my eye?
It's usually considered safe to wash your hair and shower/bathe as normal after you have cataract surgery. However, you should keep your eyes closed and avoid getting any water or shampoo in your eye, and it's advisable to use a mild or baby shampoo. You should also avoid rubbing your eye.
How long after cataract surgery can you do normal activities?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries done in the United States. Most people can resume normal activities within days or weeks. But it can take up to a year for your eyes to feel completely normal.
How do you clean your eyelids after cataract surgery?
The eyelids and lashes may be gently cleaned using a clean washcloth & warm tap water. This may be done as often as needed. You may watch TV, use the computer or read. Showering is permitted, as well as washing your hair, but try not to get soap into the operated eye.
Office: 4 Grenfell Drive
Call: 709.639.3937
Email: info@apexsurgicalnl.com
Site: apexsurgicalnl.com
