Cataract surgery frequently asked questions

• Do I need to do any tests before my surgery?

  If you're scheduled for a surgical or other procedure at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, you'll meet with a nurse to collect information about your health, fitness, previous operations, allergies and more. This helps prepare the surgeon, the anesthesiologist and you by identifying any potential anesthetic, surgical or postoperative complications. If medically applicable, you may be referred to undergo other tests.
  
  You will also receive pre- and postsurgery instructions to help ensure you are completely informed about what to expect.

• Do I need to take any additional medication?

  Take any eye drops prescribed as directed by your physician; these drops will also be used after the surgery. If you run out of your drops, please check with your pharmacy for a refill.

  Any questions about your drops should be directed to the main number at the top of this page to leave a message for your surgeon’s technician.

• Will I need a driver?

  Expect to be notified by 1 p.m. the day before surgery to tell you when to arrive to your surgery location.

  You're required to have a responsible adult (over 18) bring you to your procedure, be on-site or reachable during your surgery, listen to discharge instructions, drive you home and drive you back for your one-day postoperative appointment. 

  Using public transportation (taxi, bus, transportation service or medical transportation) still requires you to have an adult, other than the transportation driver, to be available to monitor your condition.

• How should I prepare for cataract surgery?

  You may take a bath or shower the morning of your surgery. Wear casual, loose-fitting clothing.

  Leave your valuables at home except for your insurance card, photo ID and payment (if required, as talked about in your preregistration call).

  • Remove all jewelry, including your wedding ring and all body piercings.
  • Bring a storage case for contact lenses or glasses, as they can't be worn during surgery.
  • Bring a list of your medications, vitamins and supplements with doses and times taken.

  Do not eat or chew anything after midnight the night before your surgery.

  • No food, gum, mints, hard candy, cough drops or chewing tobacco.
  • When brushing your teeth, avoid swallowing anything.
  • Take morning medicines with a small sip of water, unless instructed otherwise.
  • No alcohol or non-clear beverages like orange juice, milk or coffee with cream.
  • Carefully follow your provider’s personalized instructions regarding drinking before your surgery.

  This is for your safety, to reduce your risk of life-threatening pneumonia. Your surgery will be delayed or canceled if you don't follow these instructions.

• What can I expect the day of cataract surgery?

  Before surgery

  Check in at the surgery registration area and the staff will ensure you're identified correctly for your procedure.
  
  Your family members or support person will be able to receive text updates on the progression of surgery. It's important that your family members or support person stay in the facility during your procedure so we can find them if we need information or if a care team member needs to speak to him or her.

  You'll be taken to the operating room from your private preparation area. The operating staff will ask you to confirm your identity and the procedure you're about to have.

   

  Cataract surgery recovery
  

  Once your surgery is complete, you'll leave wearing eye shields to protect your eyes. The shields should remain on until the following morning. Expect about four hours of discomfort; we recommend taking a nap during this time, if possible. You'll be scheduled to come back for a postoperative visit with your doctor the following morning. 

  If you have any concerns during the evening, refer to the After Visit Summary you received, and please contact your surgeon if additional questions arise. If you have any emergency needs, please go to the closest emergency department. A nurse from the Outpatient Surgery Center will call you the next business day to check on how you're feeling.
  
  Our first concern is your recovery and any medical issues you may have. It's important to us that we provided you exceptional care. We encourage you to ask questions or share concerns when we call you.