How To Prepare for Pterygium Surgery?

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Video Transcript

How do I prepare for my pterygium surgery?
Hi, I’m Dr. Rylan Hayes, specialist cataract, refractive, and pterygium surgeon here on the Sunshine Coast. So once you’ve decided to go ahead with your signature no-stitch pterygium surgery, preparation is actually quite straightforward. In the days beforehand, avoid wearing eye makeup or using any creams near your eyes. If you take medication, any at all, there’s no need to stop them beforehand, and you’ll be given specific eye drops to use leading up to and after the procedure. On the day, please arrange someone to drive you. You won’t be able to drive afterwards. Wear comfortable clothing, and you will need to fast, not eat for a while, as you would done in theater under twilight anesthetic. Specific eating instructions will be given to you a few days prior, but usually it’s from midnight the night before. At your preoperative appointment, we’ll walk through all this again in detail, and my team will make sure you feel confident and prepared before your surgery date. So come and see me if you have any questions.

How to Prepare for Pterygium Surgery

Preparing well for your pterygium surgery helps ensure the procedure goes smoothly and your recovery starts on the right foot. Here’s what to expect in the lead-up to your Signature No-Stitch Pterygium Surgery with Dr Rylan Hayes.

Before surgery: your pre-operative appointment

Prior to surgery, you’ll have a pre-operative consultation at The Vision Surgeon. This visit confirms your surgical plan, reviews your ocular and medical history, and ensures you understand what to expect. It’s also the right time to ask any questions you haven’t yet had answered.

Medications to discuss

Do not stop any medication without explicit guidance from Dr Hayes or your prescribing doctor. You will be given specific pre-operative eye drops (typically anti-inflammatory) to begin in the days leading up to surgery.

In the days before surgery

• Avoid wearing eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow) for at least 48 hours prior
• Remove contact lenses as instructed and avoid wearing on the day of surgery
• Do not apply any creams, moisturisers, makeup, or sunscreen near the eyes on the day of surgery
• Continue your prescribed pre-operative drops as directed

On the day of surgery

• Arrange a driver — you will not be able to drive yourself home after pterygium surgery; please organise someone to collect you
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing
• Because the Signature No-Stitch Pterygium Surgery is performed under twilight anaesthetic you will need to avoid eating and drinking for a period of time on the day. Usually 6 hours however, specific instructions will be provided to you in the days leading up to surgery. This may be significantly longer if you take weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, Trulicity, or other similar drugs.
• Arrive at your scheduled time

What to bring

• Your Medicare card and private health insurance card
• A list of your current medications
• Sunglasses for the journey home
• A responsible adult to drive and accompany you

Key Takeaways

• A pre-operative consultation will confirm your surgical plan and cover all preparation instructions
• Avoid eye makeup and creams near the eyes in the lead-up to surgery
• Arrange a driver — you cannot drive home after the procedure
• Fasting is required as the procedure uses twilight anaesthetic

Questions about preparing for your surgery?

Contact The Vision Surgeon or book your consultation with Dr Rylan Hayes in Maroochydore.

References

• American Academy of Ophthalmology. Pterygium — Preferred Practice Pattern. aao.org
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Clinical Practice Guidelines. ranzco.edu