How do I prepare for lens and cataract surgery?

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Video Transcript

How do I prepare for lens or cataract surgery?
Hi, I’m Dr Rylan Hayes, specialist cataract, refractive, and pterygium surgery here on the Sunshine Coast. Cataract and lens surgery is performed in a day surgery setting, so preparation is a little more involved than in-clinic procedures. You will need to fast before surgery, at least six hours, but specific instructions will be provided, and may be longer depending on your health. Fasting applies because the procedure uses a twilight sedation so you don’t know what’s happening. You must arrange a driver to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. You’ll be given clearance from our team for driving, usually within a few days. But even once technically cleared, you should wait until you feel safe and adjusted to your new vision before you drive. Continue all your medications and your usual drops leading up to surgery unless we specifically tell you otherwise. And avoid all makeup on or around the eye for 48 hours before surgery. At your preoperative appointment, we’ll go through everything in detail again, so you won’t be alone in this process.

How to Prepare for Lens and Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange (RLE) are performed in a day surgery setting under sedation or light anaesthesia. This means the preparation is more involved than for in-clinic procedures — but with the right guidance, it’s very manageable.

Your pre-operative appointment

Prior to surgery, you’ll attend a pre-operative consultation that confirms your IOL selection, biometry measurements, and surgical plan.

Fasting instructions

Because cataract and lens surgery involves sedation or anaesthesia administered by an anaesthetist, generally fasting is required:

• No food or drinks for 6 hours before surgery. Water is ok until a few hours beforehand.
• Take your regular morning medications as instructed — your team will advise which to take with a small sip of water
• You will be provided specific personalised instructions the days before surgery. Time might be significantly longer particularly if taking weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, Trulicity, or other similar drugs.

Medications to review

Certain medications — particularly anticoagulants (blood thinners), diabetes medications, and some cardiac drugs — may need adjustment before surgery. Do not stop any medication without guidance from Dr Hayes or your treating specialist.

Eye drops before surgery

You can continue all your usual eye drops before surgery for conditions such as dry eye or glaucoma. Also continue all your usual dry eye routines and cares.

On the day of surgery

• Arrange a driver and a responsible adult to accompany you and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours
• Do not wear eye makeup, mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Bring your Medicare card, health insurance card, and a list of current medications
• Bring sunglasses for the journey home
• Do not drive until both cleared by our team and you feel safe and confident.

What to expect after day surgery

You will be monitored in recovery before discharge. It is normal to have a protective shield over the operated eye. Your first post-operative review will typically be a few days later or the next week.

Key Takeaways

• Cataract and lens surgery is performed in a day surgery setting — fasting is required usually from the night before
• Arrange a driver and someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours
• A thorough pre-operative consultation will confirm your surgical plan and all preparation instructions

Questions about preparing for cataract or lens surgery?

Book a consultation with Dr Rylan Hayes at The Vision Surgeon, Maroochydore.

References

• American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract in the Adult Eye — Preferred Practice Pattern. aao.org
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Patient Information — Cataract Surgery. ranzco.edu