Tips to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

As we age, our natural eye lenses lose some clarity and become cloudy. Doctors consider options, like laser cataract surgery, when the quality of our vision begins to suffer. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts in River Forest or Gurnee, IL, it helps to understand how to prepare for cataract surgery. Read below or contact the professionals at Kirk Eye Center to learn about our cataract surgery tips and more.

Schedule a cataract screening

The first step to prepare for cataract surgery is scheduling a comprehensive evaluation with an eye doctor you trust. During this appointment, Kirk Eye Center can assess your vision and medical history. If cataracts make it impossible to perform daily activities, like driving and reading, laser surgery is usually recommended.

During the consultation phase, pay close attention to your own eye health. If you notice any redness or sensitivity, call our office to discuss your symptoms. We may want to schedule another visit to address these problems first. It is critical that your eyes are free from any issues to ensure a safe and successful procedure.

Discuss medications

Patients may be asked to start or stop certain prescriptions to prepare for cataract surgery. This may include aspirin-like products that prevent your blood from clotting properly. You may also be prescribed antibiotic drops to prevent infections. During your visit to River Forest or Gurnee, IL, our experts can walk you through your specific medication regimen in detail. Do not change these medications without speaking to your doctor first.

Prepare your home

Since you are not allowed to drive during cataract surgery recovery, arrange for a close friend or family member to take you home. They can also stay with you for the rest of the day to help with simple tasks. Most eye doctors suggest spending the rest of the day sleeping, which will prevent you from rubbing or scratching your eyes. Our patients like to prepare a comfortable spot on their bed or couch so they can rest without interruption.

Follow our list of things to avoid

Although some people are anxious to return to their lives as normal after cataract surgery recovery, our bodies may tell us otherwise. It is critical to get plenty of rest and avoid anything that may harm your eyes. For example, your doctor will limit strenuous activities and workouts for at least several weeks. We also recommend avoiding swimming pools since they contain harsh chemicals that could damage your eyes. Other things that could harm the treated areas include:

• Dust

• Sweat

• Cigarette smoke

• Sun exposure

• Eye makeup

• Hair products

Cataract surgery tips and more

The eye professionals at Kirk Eye Center are happy to discuss the above details and more. However, do not hesitate to call us in River Forest or Gurnee, IL if you have any questions about cataract surgery recovery. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident well ahead of your laser procedure. If you want to learn about our cataract surgery tips in person, contact us for a consultation. We can ensure you have a safe and effective surgery that helps you see clearly for years to come.