WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF CATARACT SURGERY
Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in Australia and is statistically very safe.
You will be contacted TWO BUSINESS DAYS prior to the day of cataract surgery to confirm your admission details:
- Hospital details
- Date
- Time to present yourself
- Time to start fasting in preparation for your operation
We can also answer any questions or concerns you may have.
GETTING TO THE HOSPITAL
We currently perform surgery at three hospitals, these are listed below together with details and directions on how to get there.
Peninsula Private Hospital
Cnr George & Florence Streets
Kippa-Ring QLD 4021
Moreton Day Hospital
Lvl 2 The Specialist Medical Centre
6 North Lakes Drive
North Lakes QLD 4509
AT THE HOSPITAL?
On arrival at the hospital, you will check-in with the reception staff at the admissions desk. The nursing staff will then prepare you for surgery, which includes administering a series of eye drops to numb your eye and dilate your pupil.
THE ANAESTHETIST
Once prepared for surgery you will meet your anaesthetist who will discuss your medical history and administer ‘twilight’ sedation.
Using this type of anaesthetic means you will not feel any pain during the surgery. It also means you will usually have no memory of anything that happened until you wake up in the ‘recovery bay.’
THE CATARACT SURGERY
The surgical procedure will take approximately 30 minutes however, expect the total time you spend at the hospital to be around 4 hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER CATARACT SURGERY?
After surgery, you will be given something to eat and drink, and the nursing staff will monitor you.
Once you feel well enough, you will be discharged into the care of a friend or family member. You will be provided with a pair of protective sunglasses for your journey home.
You will also be given a ‘post-operative pack’ which includes:
- eye drops
- information sheets
- your doctor’s personal mobile number in case of an emergency after hours
The eye that has been operated on will be covered by a clear protective eye shield that will protect your eye from inadvertent rubbing. The shield should be worn for the first two nights when you go to sleep.
How to Insert Eye Drops
It is common to feel drowsy after cataract surgery. Also, you will notice your vision is a little blurry and your eye may feel gritty. However, if you are concerned about anything please get in touch with us.
