Preparing for cataract surgery means completing your planning visits, following your care team’s instructions, and arranging transportation and help for recovery. Your surgical team will tailor your instructions to the procedure and your health needs.
If you’re considering surgery, learn what happens during a cataract evaluation at Aiello Eye Institute in Yuma. Request an appointment to discuss your vision and treatment options.
Complete Your Evaluation and Surgical Planning
Your eye doctor will assess your eye health and discuss how cataracts affect your vision. If surgery is planned, eye measurements help your surgeon choose the replacement lens and plan the procedure.
Bring a current list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and eye drops. Tell the team about allergies, health conditions, and previous eye procedures.
Discuss your vision goals, including reading, driving, computer work, and hobbies. Ask what improvement is realistic for your eyes and whether you may still need glasses.
Complete any additional testing or medical-clearance visits your surgical team requests. These depend on your health and the surgical facility’s requirements.
Ask About Contact Lenses Before Measurements
Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. Ask your team how long to leave them out before measurements, and get those directions before the appointment.
Review Your Lens Choice and Costs
Discuss your cataract lens options with your surgeon. Ask the care team and your insurer about your benefits and estimated out-of-pocket costs.
Aiello Eye Institute’s cataract guide provides background on cataracts, surgery, and lens choices.
Arrange For Transportation and Help at Home
You will need someone to drive you home after cataract surgery. Ask whether your driver must stay during the procedure and whether an adult must accompany you home. Check these requirements before booking a taxi or rideshare.
Arrange rides to follow-up visits and any help you need at home. Resume driving when your surgeon clears you.
Review Your Instructions Before Surgery Day
Read your instructions when you receive them so you have time to fill prescriptions and resolve questions.
Confirm Eye Drops and Medication Directions
If your team prescribes drops for use before surgery, have them ready and know when and how to use them.
Get clear directions for your usual medicines, including diabetes medicines and blood thinners. Do not stop, skip, or change a medication on your own. If instructions from different providers conflict, ask your surgical team to clarify.
Confirm Food and Drink Instructions
Confirm any food and drink restrictions, including when they begin and whether you may take approved medicines with water. Follow the directions your surgical team gives you.
Confirm Your Arrival Details
Check your arrival time, the facility’s name and address, and where to check in. The surgery location may differ from your eye doctor’s office.
Save the number for surgery-day questions. Tell your team if your health or medications change before the procedure.
Know What to Wear and Bring
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and remove. Follow the center’s directions about makeup, cosmetics, perfume, jewelry, and personal items.
Confirm what the team wants you to bring. Common items include:
- Photo identification
- Current medical insurance information
- A medication and supplement list, plus allergy information
- Glasses and sunglasses
- Any forms, drops, or supplies specifically requested
- Your driver’s contact information
Review what to know before your appointment for pre-surgery office visits. Follow the surgical center’s separate instructions for the day of the procedure.
Get Your Home Ready for Recovery
Put frequently used items within easy reach and clear walking paths of clutter. Prepare simple meals and arrange help with chores, pets, or errands as needed.
Keep prescribed supplies, written instructions, and contact information together. If using eye drops is difficult, ask for a demonstration and arrange help.
Review activity restrictions and your follow-up schedule with your support person. Our cataract surgery recovery guide explains more about healing, follow-up care, and symptoms to report.
Your Cataract Surgery Preparation Checklist
Before surgery, confirm that you have:
- Completed requested appointments, measurements, and any additional testing
- Reviewed your lens choice, expected vision, and estimated costs
- Followed contact lens instructions before measurements
- Clarified food, drink, medication, and eye drop directions
- Confirmed your arrival time, surgical facility, and check-in location
- Arranged your ride home and transportation for follow-up visits
- Gathered the items your surgical team requests
- Prepared your home, supplies, and support plan
Prepare for Cataract Surgery at Aiello Eye Institute in Yuma
If you’re considering cataract surgery, request an appointment with Aiello Eye Institute to discuss your vision and next steps.
For questions about an upcoming procedure or your preparation instructions, call 928-782-1980 and ask to speak with the care team.