General Questions - Palm Coast Eye Physicians

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General Questions Before, During and After Cataract Surgery

Can I drive myself to the surgery center?

On the day of your surgery, you will be given some sedation to relax you. Therefore it is not advisable to drive yourself to the center. The expected time is between 2 to 3 hours. Surgery center will call you the day before the surgery and notify you of exact time of arrival


What items should I carry with me to the surgery center?

Your Insurance card along with your identification document and a list of your medications that you are currently taking. You also should dress up in a comfortable clothing. Please be advised that if you are taking medications in the mornings, continue taking those medicines with only a small sip of water.


Otherwise, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night of your surgery. You will also be given instructions in writing prior cataract surgery that include usage of two different eye drops prior to your surgery. It is important that you use them correctly since they are antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications. Use one drop of each on the morning of your surgery.


Is cataract surgery painful, or will I feel any discomfort during surgery?

There is no pain associated with cataract surgery, however you may feel some pressure around the operating eye during the surgery. You will also be given some sedation during surgery that also helps you to relax and lay down flat during the surgery; therefore there is no need for you to take any medication prior to surgery to calm your nerves.


What will happen after the surgery?

You will be taken to recovery room where your vital signs like blood pressure and pulse will be evaluated by the anesthesiologist and you will be given instructions regarding usage of your eye drops and your follow up visit the next day. Since you will receive sedation during the surgery, it is also important to have someone who can receive these instructions and repeat them later to you while you are back at home.


What should I do with my old glasses after surgery?

Your glasses will change after surgery, and depending on the type of implant or any special procedure discussed between you and your doctor, you may no longer need those glasses.


How is my vision right after the surgery and what other instructions will I receive?

Your vision will be blurry after your surgery that day. Normally, we do not use any patch to cover the eye, and there are no stitches to be removed from the eye. You will have a shield over your eye that you will use when you go to bed to protect your eye from accidental rubbing. The next day your vision will improve, but is not your best vision. It will take a few days for your eyes to settle down and demonstrate your best uncorrected vision. It is also important to remember that on the day of your surgery, your eye will be dialated and that causes seeing glare and halos around the lights. It is also important to obtain your third eye drop that you will receive a prescription for before leaving the surgery center. This is a steroid eye drop that plays a vital role in the healing of your eye. You will receive your post operative instructions along with an appointment time to see Dr. Pourkesali the next day.


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