Cataract Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

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

  Patients who are scheduled for a surgical or other procedure at Ohio State will 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 post-operative complications. If medically applicable, you may be referred to undergo other tests.
  
  You will also receive pre- and post-surgery 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 are 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 1 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 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 cannot 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 do not follow these instructions.

• What can I expect the day of surgery?

  Before Surgery

  Check in at the surgery registration area and the staff will ensure you are identified correctly for your procedure.
  
  Your family members or support person will be able to receive text updates on the progression of surgery. It is 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 will be taken to the operating room from your private preparation area.  The operating staff will ask you to confirm your identity and procedure you are about to have.

   

  After Surgery

  Once your surgery is complete, you will 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 will be scheduled to come back for a post-operative 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 are feeling.
  
  Our first concern is your recovery and any medical issues you may have. It is important to us that we provided you exceptional care. We encourage you to ask questions or share concerns when we call you.