What to expect during the first few days after cataract surgery:
Infection after surgery:
Infections are always a cause of concern. The risk of this is very low, about 1 in 500. These are most common during the first week after surgery, but low-grade infection can be delayed. Infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics but these need to be administered promptly. It is important to contact your Ophthalmologist if any of the following warning symptoms or signs of infection develop:
Clinic secretaries: Vickie Hopkins and Alessandra Giordani 07947 578480 (mobile).
For emergencies and out of hours contact, please call Mr. H. Zambarakji via switchboard at the Hospital where you underwent your surgery.
You have been assessed to have eye surgery as a day patient. On the day of your operation, please expect to be in hospital for 3-5 hours. To ensure that your day is as comfortable as possible, we would advise you to take note of the following:
Driving:
Please do not drive on the day of your operation.
Clothing:
Please shower/bathe, wash hair as normal before arriving. Wear clean, loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and shoes for the day. Please bring with you a pair of CLEAN indoor slippers to change into during your stay.
Make-up & Jewellery:
Please do not wear any make-up or jewellery. The hospital will not be responsible for any loss of jewellery. Do keep your hearing aid in at all times, as we need to talk with you throughout your stay in the hospital.
Food & Drink:
You are allowed to eat and drink as normal.
Medications:
Please see below.
Discharge:
After your operation, you will be discharged home with eyedrops/ointment. The secretary will organize your follow up appointment after the operation (usually 1-2 weeks post operatively). If you think you will need help to instill eyedrops/ointment post operatively, please make arrangements with friends/family. As a last resort, approach your GP to arrange for district nurse services.
Going Home:
Arrangements for a driver/family member to accompany you home must be made in advance.
Fasting instructions:
None (you can eat and drink normally). We would recommend only a light meal before surgery.
Medications:
Please take all your medications as usual.
Fasting instructions
Medications:
You are coming into hospital as a day patient/overnight stay.
Please bring with you all your medications on the admission day.
Please do not drive on the day of your operation.
A responsible adult must accompany you home following an operation under general anaesthetic or sedation and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Prepared by Mr. H.J. Zambarakji
Consultant Ophthalmic surgeon