What Should You Do Before Cataract Surgery?

It involves preparing the patient for the operation both physically and mentally. The first step is to determine the presence of the disease and whether an operation is necessary. This is carried out by the specialist doctor through a detailed examination of the area and, when necessary, imaging tests. Your doctor will use this information to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your condition before cataract surgery. Its progression and symptoms are important factors in determining the timing and necessity of the procedure. If recommended, your doctor will inform you about the procedure, its risks, and benefits, and will answer any of your questions. Prior to the method, your doctor may often advise you to stop taking certain medications. These medications are blood thinners and certain drugs. This is done to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after the operation.

Things to Consider When Having Cataract Surgery

• Be relaxed: This procedure is most of the time painless because local anesthesia is used. However, some patients may report a slight feeling of pressure during the operation. Whenever you feel any discomfort, inform your doctor immediately.

• Limit your movements: It is important to remain as still as possible during the treatment. Your eyes or your head should not move. Sudden movements can make it difficult for the doctor to perform the delicate eye surgery.

• Follow the doctor’s instructions: Before cataract surgery, your doctor may give you specific instructions, for example, they may ask you to look in a certain direction. Following these instructions carefully will make the procedure process more efficient and safer.

• Communicate: If you suddenly feel pain or become uncomfortable, inform your doctor immediately. Additional anesthesia can be applied when needed.

• Remove your glasses or lenses: Before the procedure, you will need to remove your glasses or contact lenses.

• Inform: If there has been a change in your condition before the treatment, for example, an infection or illness, inform your doctor immediately. Such situations may require it to be postponed.

• Always follow the recommendations and instructions your doctor gives you. This ensures that the recovery process takes place in the best way and minimizes the risk of complications.

Things to Consider When Having Cataract Surgery

• Share your medical history: Your doctor’s first step before cataract surgery is to question your medical history. They collect information about your symptoms, previous ailments you have experienced, your general health status, your lifestyle, and your habits.

• Vision test: This test is used to determine how clearly you see. It is normally performed with a test board or a Snellen chart.

• Dilated examination: This is used to examine the back part, especially its inner structure including the lens and retina. This procedure is performed using drops to dilate the pupils.

• Slit lamp microscopy: This test uses a special light source and a magnifying glass to examine its front part (including the cornea, iris, and lens) in detail.

• Retinal tomography or optical coherence tomography (OCT): This uses high-resolution imaging techniques to visualize the inner part and provides a more detailed image of the retina and its other structure.

• Contrast sensitivity and color vision tests: Its development affects contrast sensitivity and color perception, so your doctor may test these areas.

• If this procedure is recommended, your doctor will take measurements. This is used to determine the power of the intraocular lens (IOL) because the power of the IOL is related to the length of the eye and the curvature of the cornea. These measurements are taken with an A-scan ultrasound or optical coherence biometry (OCT).

• All this information will help your doctor in selecting and planning the most appropriate treatment method for you before cataract surgery.