Patient InformationOphthalmology |
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Cataracts and Post-Operative Care
Introduction
This leaflet is to inform you and your carer about Cataract surgery in the Ophthalmic unit at Peterborough District Hospital. It is designed to answer any questions you and your carer may have and to allay your fears.
Your Cataract Operation
Behind the pupil of your eye is a clear lens which focuses the light that enters your eye and allows you to see clearly. Sometimes this lens can become cloudy which makes it difficult to see. This is called a cataract. A cataract can be present in one or both eyes.
If the blurring gets bad enough to cause you problems, the cataract can be removed by means of an operation. At Peterborough District Hospital it is normal for just one eye to be operated on at any time. When the cloudy lens is removed a clear plastic lens is put in its place. This is called an implant.
All operations carry a certain degree of risk. There are many complications which could arise from cataract surgery and these are explained on the informed consent sheet. However, 96% of cataract surgery performed at Peterborough District Hospital is successful. Many people say that their vision is much clearer following this surgery and colours are more distinct.
The Day of the Operation
On the day of your operation it is important that you eat and drink as normal. You must also take any medication as normal except for your water tablet. Please bring any inhalers and angina sprays with you in case they are required.
On arrival you will be greeted at the eye surgical unit by the nurse who will begin to prepare you for your operation. For this type of day case surgery you will be nursed in a sitting room as it is not necessary to have a bed.
The nurse will measure your eye in order to calculate the power of the implant you require. This is called Biometry. It is carried out by shining a light on your eye which measures the curves of the cornea ( the front surface of your eye ) and then a small probe measures the size of the eye by an ultrasonic beam.
Eye drops will be put into your eye by the nurse to enlarge your pupil. In order to make you feel as comfortable as possible you will wear your own clothes to the operating theatre. When it is time for your surgery, you will be taken to theatre by the nurse.
Your operation will be carried out with a local anaesthetic - this can be either drops or an injection. This means that the eye will be numb and you will be awake but you will not feel or see anything.
The Operation
The following section describes your cataract operation.
The skin around the eye will be cleaned by a fluid which kills bacteria and makes the area clean. A sterile plastic sheet is then placed over your face and a hole made in it over the eye to be operated on. If required, oxygen is given under the sheet to help with breathing.
A small cut, only an eighth of an inch (3mm) across, is made into the eye in such a way that it acts like a valve. This means that nothing can leak out of the eye during or after the operation. A probe is inserted into the incision. This probe breaks the cataract down into a fluid and this is then sucked out of the eye. Following this, the implant is inserted into the gap that was occupied by the cataract.
Once the instruments are withdrawn from the eye, the valve like cut seals itself and stitches are only required occasionally. The eye will be covered with a plastic shield and the operation will then be over. The whole procedure normally takes 20-30 minutes.
A nurse will collect you from theatre and take you back to the sitting room. Once you feel recovered you may go home. This is normally within 30 minutes of your surgery. It is advisable for somebody to collect you and take you home.
You will be in the department for a total of 2 - 4 hours.
After the Operation
Before you are discharged, the nurse will give you instructions on how and when to instil your eye drops. The eye drops called Maxitrol are to be used 4 times a day for approximately one month after your operation unless otherwise instructed. If you run out of these eye drops, you can collect a repeat prescription from your own GP.
They will also explain when to remove your eye shield and how to keep your eye clean. You will be provided with an eye shield to wear at night for two weeks as some people rub their eyes in their sleep.
If you wish to watch TV, read or cook please do so as it will not put a strain on your other eye.
You will be given an appointment to re-attend the eye surgical unit for a check up 1 - 7 days later.
Vision is some patients is clear immediately but for some people it may take a little time. Most people tell us that everything is very bright at first and that colours are very rich. You may find it helpful to wear dark glasses.
Symptoms to Look Out For
If your eye is uncomfortable or you have a headache, please take any painkiller you normally take, for example paracetamol or aspirin.
If it is not controlled by the painkiller or if the eye becomes painful, sticky, red or the vision becomes blurred, please contact the eye surgical unit. The telephone number for this can be found at the end of this leaflet.
Glasses
Following the operation your present spectacles will be unsuitable for the operated eye because the new implant has replaced your old cloudy lens. Most people after the operation see well without glasses but may require glasses for some of the time. The eye will not be ready for testing until 1 month after the operation and at this time you may go to your own Optometrist (Optician). During this time you may wear your old glasses if you feel they are useful. You will not harm your eyes by doing so.
Activities After the Operation
Carry on with your normal day to day activities. If you work, please seek advice from the surgeon as to when to return to work.
With regard to sporting activities, swimming is not advisable for the first 1-2 weeks because of the risk of infection. Please seek the advice of your surgeon for contact sports.
Hair may be washed as normal but avoid getting soap into the eye as this can lead to soreness.
Conclusion
It is hoped that this literature has been helpful and informative to you and your carer.
Its aim is to give you an understanding and reassurance about cataract surgery.
Hopefully we will have answered your questions and prepared you for your day case surgery.
If you require any further information please contact the department.
Pam McNicol
Copyright © 2000 Peterborough Hospitals NHS Trust. All rights reserved.
Revised: 18 Jun 2001 22:27:01 +0100
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