Are you having trouble seeing? Do you feel like you have clouds going across your visual field? If so, you may be suffering from cataracts. Cataracts are among the leading causes of blindness around the world. Even though cataracts can be detrimental to your quality of life, there are treatment options available. For example, cataract surgery could be an option. During this procedure, the doctor is going to make an incision on the side of your cornea. Then, the doctor will remove the clouded lens, replace it with a new one, and improve your ability to see. Even though this can be an effective treatment option, you need to make sure you are ready for cataract surgery. What do you need to do to prepare yourself for cataract surgery?
In This Article
Write Down All Medications You’re Taking
First, you need to write down all medications you are taking. The doctor needs to get a complete picture of what your eyes look like. That way, the doctor can have confidence in the measures that he or she takes prior to the cataract surgery operation. For example, if you are taking medication for blood pressure, this could have an impact on the blood vessels behind your eyes. This could impact the way the operation unfolds.
Furthermore, you might be taking medications that provide artificial tears for your eyes. This is common among people who have dry eyes. If that is the case, the doctor needs to know this as well. It could be important for the procedure. Write down all the medications you take, bring them with you to the appointment, and make sure the doctor is aware of the medications you take regularly.
Get a Complete History and Physical Done by the Eye Doctor
Next, you should get a complete history and physical performed by the eye doctor. Make sure the doctor takes a complete look at your eyes. This is important for making sure there are problems that could get in the way of the success of the procedure.
For example, cataracts can lead to blurry vision, but if you notice wavy lines in your visual field, a curtain coming down over your eyes, or dark spots in your vision, this could be a sign that something else is going on with your eyesight.
The doctor should also check the pressure behind your eyes to look for signs of glaucoma. Glaucoma can be a serious visual concern, and it may get in the way of the procedure. If something else has to be treated before cataract surgery can take place, the doctor should let you know.
Ask About Ocular Surface Disease
In particular, during the visit, you need to ask about ocular surface disease. Unfortunately, this is a common problem, and it could impact the success of cataract surgery. Some of the signs of ocular surface disease include:
- Red Eyes: Do you see red lines in your eyes when you look in the mirror? Thin red lines are normal, as they are a sign of blood vessels. On the other hand, if you noticed that the white part of your eyes is also bloodshot, this is a serious problem.
- Dry Eyes: Dry eyes can also be a sign of ocular surface disease. If you feel like there is sandpaper in your eyes, this could be a sign of dry ice. You may have a tear duct issue, and you might suffer from seasonal allergies. Dry eyes need to be treated before the procedure begins.
- Keratitis: Has your eye doctor told you that you suffer from something called keratitis? This type of eye inflammation can be a serious problem, and it could get in the way of cataract surgery. This might need to be treated before the procedure begins.
These are just a few types of ocular surface disease that need to be treated before cataract surgery can take place. If you have questions about ocular surface disease, make sure you talk about this with your doctor.
Invest in Ocular Surface Optimization
If you want to put your procedure in the best position possible to succeed, you need to invest in ocular surface optimization. Usually shortened to OSO, this is the process of making sure the surface of your eyes is ready for cataract surgery. For example, your eye doctor may have talked about using a Prokera cryopreserved amniotic membrane. PROKERA for Patients has become an important part of ocular surgery, and this is critical in OSO.
There are numerous benefits that come with ocular surface optimization. First, this increases patient satisfaction with the surgical procedure. If you want to be happy with the results, ocular surface optimization is critical. Second, it can reduce the chances of complications after the procedure. That way, you don’t have to worry about side effects following the operation. Finally, this can also accelerate re-epithelialization after surgical procedures, helping people recover more quickly. For this reason, you need to talk to your doctor about ocular surface optimization. It can make a significant difference in the success of your surgical procedure.
Get Ready for the Operation
Finally, you also need to get ready for the operation. Doctors perform cataract surgery all the time. Therefore, they should put you in the best position possible to be successful. At the same time, you are responsible for your overall health. Therefore, follow the doctor’s instructions when it comes to the procedure. If the doctor tells you that you need to fast the night before the procedure, you need to do this. If the doctor tells you to avoid wearing contact lenses prior to the operation, you should do that as well.
Keep in mind that this is not something you have to go through alone. If you have questions or concerns about your ability to see, you should talk to the doctor about what your options might be. That way, you can maximize the chances of the operation being a success, which could improve your vision.
