What to expect at your post-op appointment
Many patients describe their cataract surgery as a positive and life-changing experience. Their vision is greatly improved, it’s helped with their confidence and independence, and they’re once again enjoying vibrant colours that they can now see clearly.
After your cataract surgery, there’s just one final step on your patient journey – your post-operative consultation/appointment.
Post-operative care pathways vary depending on where you live. If a post-operative assessment is required, this will take place either at SpaMedica, with your local optician or over the phone. All of our patients still receive clear guidance, appropriate follow-up, and access to clinical support whenever needed.
The purpose of your post-op appointment is to check your eye health and test your vision following surgery. Several eye tests will be conducted, with your appointment lasting up to 2 hours. Dilation drops will be required at all post operative visits, please make suitable transport arrangements, as you will not be able to drive yourself.
Dilating the eyes causes blurred vision and sensitivity to light, meaning you won’t be able to drive, so it’s important to make sure you organise a lift or arrange transport to/from your appointment at the hospital or your local optician.
If you’re having your post-operative consultation at your local optician’s, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to and from your appointment.
Legal eyesight standards for driving means you must be able to read a car registration plate at a distance of 20 meters. It is crucial to remember that all patients should not drive until they meet this legal driving standard, whether it is before, during or after cataract surgery.
Before surgery, if your cataract is affecting your ability to see clearly, especially in bright light, at night, or when reading road signs, you may no longer meet this standard and should stop driving. Your optometrist or eye specialist can advise whether it is still safe for you to drive before your operation.
After surgery, your vision may change and you may need new glasses before it is safe to drive again.
Time to enjoy a clearer, brighter future!
If you’re having your post-op consultation at your local optician practice, it’s likely to follow a similar format to the process described above.
We’ve prepared a short video which shows you what to expect:
If you are prescribed drops then they should last for the prescribed course. If you do run out, please contact us, and we’ll supply you with more drops.
If you are given an eye shield following surgery, you should wear it for the rest of the day and also while sleeping that night. In the morning, remove the eye shield when you get up – it should then be thrown away, as it is not needed again.
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Here’s what to expect during your first appointment with us, where you’ll undergo some simple eye tests in preparation for your cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is a simple, painless and straightforward procedure and we hope our step-by-step guide helps to put your mind at rest.
If you’re wondering how long it takes to recover from cataract surgery - and what you can and can’t do while your eye is healing - this page tells you everything you need to know.
Our Resources section features an A-Z glossary of frequently asked questions about cataracts, some advice about how your loved ones can support you during your treatment, and some top tips on looking after your eyes.