WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE IN THE CLINIC

• Your appointment is expected to last approximately 2 hours due to pupil dilation, vision screening and consultation.
  
• Dilation can last from 4-6 hours after your appointment, therefore we recommend that you bring a driver or have an alternate mode of transportation to get home.
  
• Please bring sunglasses for your comfort.
  
• Please bring any corrective eyeglasses with you.
  
• Please bring a list of current medications with you.
  
  
• Please bring a valid Albert Health Card. If you do not have a valid Alberta Heath Card, then you have to pay the consultation by cash or e-transfer.
  
• Depending upon the tests that are required, your appointment may be scheduled in two visits. The first appointment will be for testing with an ophthalmic technician. The second appointment will be a consultation with the ophthalmologist. You will not be dilated at your first appointment for testing, but you may be dilated at your second appointment with the ophthalmologist.
  For cataract consultation, please stop using your contact lens two week prior your consultation.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE BOOKED FOR CATARACT SURGERY

• Fill out Database 1&2 form and return to our office at least two weeks prior to your surgery. *This form is absolutely mandatory prior to proceed with surgery. Failure to do so can result in having surgery date cancelled.*
  
• We will have your surgery time between 1:30-4:00 pm, one business day prior to your scheduled surgery date. Unfortunately, our office has no control over the surgery time that day, so request for specific times cannot be accommodated.

THINGS THAT YOU NEED TO DO ON DAYS PRIOR TO SURGERY

• Have the prescription filled and start your drops 3 days prior to surgery in your operative eye only. These drops are very important in prevention of infection and inflammation and enhancing your surgery outcome.
• Nothing to eat after midnight, this includes candy and tobacco. You may drink water until 3 hours before surgery. No alcohol 24 hours before or
  after surgery.
•  On the day of surgery you may take your medications with a small sip of water, with the exception of diabetes medicine-NO INSULIN. Bring all
  medications you need to take with you on the day of surgery and you can take them once the surgery is completed.
•  You should have someone to pick you up on the day of surgery once surgery is completed.

AT THE HOSPITAL

• Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. You will spend about 3-4 hours at the hospital. Because your eyes will be treated with anesthetic, you should feel little or no discomfort during the actual surgery. Nearly all patients are given some relaxing medicine but not put right out to sleep, this makes your surgery far safer on your general health. Someone will be required to drive you home.
• After the surgery, on the same day or next day, Dr. Strungaru will see you back at her clinic. Drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and help your eyes heal. You will not normally be patched and you will continue your drops right after surgery.
• Your vision for the next few days will be cloudy and smokey as the eye heals. You may notice some scratchy or sandy feelings as the eye is healing, these experiences are normal.

POST-OPERATIVE CATARACT INSTRUCTIONS

Do not clean your eyes until the next day after your surgery. Do not touch the eye. On the first week after surgery, to wipe tears, wait until they reach your cheekbone. We recommend using a washcloth to wash your face to avoid any water, soap or cleansers into your eyes.

1. Start your drops four hours after surgery (unless otherwise specified).* Continue using any other pre-existing drop medication* (eg. Glaucoma). Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your eye or instilling your drops. Always shake drops before use. Create a pocket with the lower lid to install the drops. Wait 5 minutes between drops.

a. Vigamox: 4 times per day for 1 week after surgery.
b. Ketorolac (Acular): 4 times per day for 2 weeks after surgery. Then twice per day for another 2 weeks after surgery then STOP.
c. Prednisolone (PredForte): 4 times per day for 2 weeks after surgery. Then twice per day for another 2 weeks after surgery then STOP.

2. Sleep with your shield taped on for one week. This will help avoid any involuntarily touching/ rubbing while sleeping.

3. Wear dark glasses when outside in the bright light if the light bothers you. Do not rub, bump, strike or apply pressure to your eye.

4. Do not lift more than 10 pounds for one week after surgery.

5. Do not bend down for one week after surgery. Kneel or crouch to pick items from the floor.

6. Do not swim for 2 weeks after surgery.

7. You may wash your hair and shower as long as your eyes are not touched, and no soap, shampoo, or conditioner gets into your eyes.

8. You may walk, watch T.V., read or knit, any activity that does not require heavy lifting or bending over at the waist. Simple non-strenuous household activities are permitted.

9. It is normal for your vision to be blurry and seeing red for up to one week after surgery, to feel a mild ache, or scratchy feeling, you may use “Tylenol” for discomfort. In the event of any severe pain, swelling, increased redness, or decreased vision please call my office immediately or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

10. DO NOT DRIVE until approved by Dr. Strungaru. Do not drink alcohol, make legal decisions, or perform any task requiring coordination or judgment for 1 day after surgery.