After cataract surgery

The first night

           - The patient must not remove the eye shield. The purpose for wearing an eye shield is to prevent the patient from accidentally scratching or rubbing the eye. If the eye waters extensively, blot away the tears outside the eye shield only. If the eye shield does not fit well or becomes loose, the patient can secure it with extra bandage.
           - The patients should ensure themselves a good night’s rest for the first night by taking 1-2 tablets of Xanax (1mg). If you are usually a difficult sleeper, and have your own preferred type of sleeping pills, you can use them instead of the Xanax prescribed by TRSC.
           - Some patients may feel pain, which can be alleviated by taking 1-2 Paracetamol tablets (500mg) every 4-6 hours.
           - The patient should get a lot of rest and sleep. On the first day, the patient must lie on their back. Lying on the side is not allowed.
           - The patient must refrain from coughing or sneezing forcefully (or the surgical wound could be affected)
           - The patient should follow the diet recommended by the doctor.

        Patients must seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms and conditions occur:

                - Constant aching of the eye, redness, excess irritation or discharge, swollen eyelid, or diminishing clarity of vision.
                - Bleeding in the pupil or the white of the eye
                - Distorted vision, or seeing particles floating in the eye.

The first week after surgery

           - The eye must be cleaned 1-2 times per day. Use 3-4 drops of the artificial tears to wet the eye, and then use a cotton bud to dab the excess from the corner of the eye. Do not use saline solution or anything else to wipe the eye and the eyelid.
           - Wear the eye shield at bedtime and when napping to prevent any unconscious eye rubbing
          - Do not allow water in or around the eyes
           - Take the prescribed oral medications (antibiotic, anti-glaucoma) as indicated
           - Use the prescribed eye drops (antibiotic and steroid) and ointment as indicated

Below are additional conduct guidelines for the first 2 weeks after surgery:

- The patient should not sleep with the face down or sleep on the same side as the operated eye until the directed by the doctor.

- The eye shield must be worn during sleep for the first 1-2 weeks to prevent accidental scratching. During the day, dark glasses can be worn.

- No water is permitted near or in the operated eye. Showering and washing the face must be done cautiously so as to avoid any contact of the eye with water. Please see below for suggestions on washing and showering during the first 2 weeks.

- The operated eye may become itchy or irritated. The patient must never scratch the eye, and must not let water get into the eye for about 2 weeks otherwise an infection may occur.

- During the first week when washing the hair, patients must not bend down to do it by themselves. Instead, have someone do it by lying on the back, and making sure that the water does not splash into the eye.

- The patient should not cough, sneeze, shake the head vigorously, or lift heavy objects because doing so could affect the surgical wound.

- While descending or ascending stair cases, extra care must be taken because using one eye can cause the patient to miscalculate the steps and trip, causing impact and injury to the eye and face.

- The patient should refrain from playing with children or animals. They could accidentally hit or paw the patient’s eye.

- Cooking and cleaning should be avoided, because the smoke or dust could irritate and cause an infection in the eye.

- When leaving the house, sunglasses should be worn to protect the eyes from the wind and sun for about 2 weeks.

- Eye make-up must not be worn until 2 weeks after surgery

- Sports (including swimming) and vigorous activities are not permitted until 2 weeks after surgery

- During the first 2 weeks, the patient should eat only very soft, light food. After this period, the patient can resume with the normal diet.

- Patients who suffer from constipation can take a mind laxative after the surgery

Washing or showering can be done in 2 ways, namely:

            1. Washing by using a dipping bowl: The water container should be filled to the brim to prevent having to bend down too far. Use the dipping bowl to pour water from the shoulder down, while being careful not to let any water splash into the operated eye. Only a dampened washcloth can be used to wipe other areas of the face, including the eye that was not operated on.

            2. Washing by showering: Use only a shower nozzle that has a handle and can be removed from the wall mounting. Otherwise, showering is not recommended because the water spray can easily get into the eyes.

When washing the hair, patients must not bend down to do it by themselves. Instead, have someone do it by lying on the back, and making sure that the water does not splash into the eye.

1. There is a critical follow up care schedule after each cataract treatment. This is to assure proper healing and provide continued care. The postoperative appointments are at the following time increments, from the day of treatment per eye accordingly: - One day - One week - One month - Three months - One year

2. Your doctor will adjust medications accordingly, and can request additional follow up appointments if necessary. If the other eye also needs cataract treatment, this can be determined at the one week follow up exam.

- 1 day and 1 week follow ups are needed to check if the surgical wound is affected.

- To follow the surgical plans.

- To check if there is any infection or side effect.

- To assure that the surgery is complete.

- 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year follow ups are included in the surgical fee (extra medications not included).