Cataracts: Before + During + After
Before surgery:
Measurements: You will have each eye measured to determine the proper focusing power for your intraocular lens (IOL) implant
There is an associated fee for measurements
You will be asked to fill out a two-page health questionnaire
You might be asked to temporarily stop some of these medications before surgery (for example, blood thinners like Plavix, Aspirin, Garlic, Vitamin E, etc)
The day of surgery:
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. This may be performed at the Halifax Vision Surgical Centre or at the Victoria General Hospital.
Watch this short animation for more information
Surgery usually takes about 30 minutes to perform. The surgery is most often done under a local anesthetic to numb your eye. You may be given a sedative orally or through an intravenous line to help you relax.
After the surgery, you will return to the recovery room. The nurse will go over your post-operative instructions and drop schedule with you and your friend/relative.
QEII Health Science Centre is a teaching hospital. During your surgery you may meet trainees of different levels. Residents are young doctors who are training to become eye surgeons. Depending on their level of training, they may participate in some parts of the surgery. Please speak to Dr. Eadie if you would like to learn more about their participation.
Days or weeks after surgery:
Follow your post-op drop schedule that is provided.
You may shower, bathe and wash your hair, but do not let any soapy water get into your eye for at least two weeks.
Do not rub or press on your eye. You will need to wear a protective eye shield when you sleep for one week.
No rigorous activities or heavy lifting (>20lbs) for two weeks.
You can walk, climb stairs, do light household chores, read, watch TV
Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery until your doctor advises it is safe to do so.
You may notice that lights and colors are very bright. The IOL is clear, unlike your natural lens that may have had a yellowish/brownish tint. Within a few months after receiving an IOL, you will become used to this.
In most cases, healing will be complete within 4-6 weeks at which time you can get a new pair of eyeglasses.
It is helpful to have a pair of reading glasses during the healing time, as most IOLs are set to correct your distance vision.
What are the risks of surgery?
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective operation. However, as with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks.
There is 1/1000 chance of a blinding complication like: infection, bleeding, or retinal detachment.
There is also 1/100 chance that the lens capsule that surrounds the cataract may break during surgery. The IOL may not be placed at that time and you may require another surgery to repair.
Other risks include
Inflammation
Swelling of the central retina (ie. macular edema)
Swelling of the cornea
Floaters
Increased pressure in the eye and glaucoma
Secondary cataract (capsular opacification)
Dry eyes
Occasionally, cataract surgery fails to improve vision because of underlying eye damage from other conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.