Newark Cataract Surgery Procedure Information and Recovery Care
Eye Care of Delaware welcomes patients to our Newark-based cataract and laser treatment center for cataract surgery. With a state-of-the-art facility serving patients from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we provide a safe, comfortable and personalized treatment experience.
Patients receive first-class care before, during and after cataract surgery, ensuring improved long-term vision and minimal recovery times. To find out if cataract surgery is the best procedure for your ongoing eye health, arrange a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Boyd.
Important Items to Pack for the Day of Cataract Surgery
- A driver (patients may use a taxicab or ride-share services such as Uber)
- Insurance cards (medical insurance, not vision plans)
- Photo identification
- Medical Power of Attorney (if applicable)
- Advance directive or living will (if applicable)
- List of medications, with doses that you are currently taking
- Inhalers or Nitroglycerine pills (if applicable)
The temperature at the surgery center is a little bit chilly at times; we recommend you bring a sweater that buttons or zips so we can check your blood pressure. Do not apply any lotions, makeup, perfume or wear jewelry above the neck. Please thoroughly remove all cosmetics prior to your arrival … including fake eyelashes and extensions.
After checking in, you will meet with a nurse who will ensure that you are fully prepared for your surgery by confirming the operative eye, reviewing your medical history, medications and post-operative instructions. She will perform a short physical exam; checking your temperature and blood pressure.
We understand that patients may be nervous on the day of surgery, so shortly after arrival, you will be given a mild sedative to help you relax. The nurse will also begin to administer a series of eye drops that will dilate and numb your eyes. Once you are fully prepped for the surgery (your eye is completely numb and pupil is fully dilated), she will escort you back to the operating room.
What to Expect During Your Cataract Surgery
In the operating room you will be seated in a reclining chair and made comfortable. Your eye area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and a sterile drape will be placed over the eye to ensure sterility. A lift is placed under the drape so that you are able to breathe comfortably.
Once your eye is completely numb, an instrument will be gently placed between your lids to prevent blinking. Next, using state-of-the-art techniques, Dr. Boyd will make a microscopic incision into the eye, remove the cataract and insert a new lens implant through the same opening. The incision automatically seals itself and heals without the need for sutures.
You should experience minimal discomfort; just a little stretch of your lids and some pressure at times. You can also expect to feel some irritation following surgery.
Post-Op Cataract Surgery Care
Immediately following your cataract surgery, you will be escorted back to a recovery room where the nurses will monitor you for a short time before you are discharged and able to leave with your driver.
Your nurse will review your post-op instructions and explain what you can expect in the days following surgery. Please keep in mind that some patients having dropless cataract surgery may need to be prescribed an eye drop if their eye doesn’t heal as quickly as Dr. Boyd would like it to.
You will be given a protective eye shield to wear on the day of surgery and while sleeping for one week. The most important restrictions are not to rub your eye or swim for 2 weeks. You should also avoid pressing or touching your eye and practice good hygiene. Dark glasses will also be provided to help with any light sensitivity.
While you may notice some mild discomfort, such as scratching, tearing, or burning, most patients do not report significant pain post-operatively. You should call our office immediately if you experience decreasing vision, bleeding, light flashes or floaters, increasing redness in the eye or significant/persistent pain beyond normal irritation and/or scratchiness.
What to Expect After Your Cataract Surgery
The morning following your surgery you will have an appointment for a short post-operative exam with Dr. Boyd, Dr. Mitchell or your own family eye doctor. After that appointment, most patients are able to resume their normal activities. However, every patient recovers differently, so it is best to keep your schedule flexible for the first few days following your surgery.
It is important for you to be monitored post-operatively for several weeks after cataract surgery. Your own family eye doctor will play an integral role in your post-operative surgical care. By co-managing your care with a doctor who knows your visual history better than anyone, you benefit from the best possible combination of professional resources for your surgery and post-operative care.
Questions About What You Can Expect During & After Cataract Surgery
What is the success rate for cataract surgery?
The success rate for cataract surgery is well over 90%. The vast majority of patients experience improved vision and no longer get cloudy, blurred sight. Cataract surgery is considered one of the safest and most effective medical procedures available today.
Are there any risks involved in cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is usually well-tolerated by most patients. Minor risks of surgery could include infection, inflammation, swelling and glaucoma. These issues are most common with patients experiencing multiple eye issues.
How common is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a very common surgical procedure. Over half of Americans age 80 or above have had cataract surgery, and millions of treatments are performed each year.
Experienced Cataract Surgery and Laser Center in Newark
Eye Care of Delaware provides safe, dependable treatments from our cataract and laser center in Newark. Dr. Boyd delivers world-class surgical procedures and ongoing post-op care for cataract patients in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For a consultation, call (302) 454-8800 or request an appointment today.
