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Specialized Ophthalmology Care
Patient Instructions

Surgery Instructions Cataract

Choose the section you need and go directly to the appropriate instructions before surgery, on the day of surgery, or after surgery.

! Important: These are general instructions, and the plan may vary according to your condition and type of surgery. Always follow your doctor’s written instructions.
Before Surgery

Before Cataract Surgery

These instructions help you prepare for surgery safely and clearly.

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Tell Your Doctor About Medications and Medical Conditions

Tell your doctor about all medications you use, especially blood thinners, and any chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or medication allergies.

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Bring a Companion

It is preferable to bring a companion to the preoperative examination because vision may be blurred after dilating drops are used for a complete eye examination to confirm suitability for surgery.

Important Questions Before Surgery

Important Information Your Doctor Needs Before Surgery

Review these questions before surgery and tell your doctor about any Yes answer because it may affect preparation, lens selection, or the treatment plan.

QuestionYesNo
Do you use blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin, or similar medications?
Do you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease?
Do you have a known allergy to medications or eye drops?
Have you previously had vision correction surgery?
Do you have glaucoma or retinal or corneal disease?
Do you use eye drops regularly?
Do you have difficulty lying on your back, shortness of breath, or a cough?
Have you previously had a problem with anesthesia or surgery?
Do you currently have eye inflammation, discharge, or severe redness?
Can you attend the required postoperative follow-up appointments?
Day of Surgery

Instructions for the Day of Cataract Surgery

Review the key preparations before admission and a simple overview of what happens during surgery.

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Surgery Under Local Eye Anesthesia

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia using eye drops or an injection. The patient remains awake and able to communicate with the doctor during the procedure.

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Surgery Preparation

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Fasting According to Hospital InstructionsFollow the hospital fasting instructions: avoid food and milk for 6 hours before surgery and avoid drinks for 2 hours before surgery.
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Take Blood Pressure and Thyroid Medications Before Surgery Do not stop blood pressure or thyroid medications before surgery, even during fasting. Take them with a small amount of water.
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Do Not Use Makeup or Creams Around the EyeArrive with a clean face without makeup, kohl, strong fragrances, or creams around the eye.
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Showering Before SurgeryIt is preferable to shower the night before or before surgery while making sure soap or shampoo does not enter the eye.
5
Bring a CompanionYou will need a companion to take you home, and you should not drive immediately after surgery.
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During Surgery

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The Procedure Is Designed to Be ComfortableThe eye surface is anesthetized. You may feel mild pressure or see lights, but sharp pain is not expected.
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Dilating and Anesthetic DropsDrops are used to dilate the pupil and anesthetize the eye before surgery begins.
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Keeping the Eye SteadyYou will be asked to look toward a specific light as much as possible, and the doctor will guide you throughout the procedure.
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Sterility and ProtectionSterile instruments and materials are used together with eye drops and medications to protect the eye and reduce the risk of infection.
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Short ProcedureThe procedure usually takes a short time, after which you move to the recovery area before returning home.
After Surgery

Eye-Drop Schedule After Cataract Surgery

Leave a 10-minute interval between different eye drops and follow the prescribed doses.

Start Immediately After Surgery

Essential Treatments After Surgery

Use these eye drops after surgery according to the following schedule.

Red steroid eye drop after cataract surgery

Red Steroid Eye Drop

For 4 Weeks and 3 Days
How to UseStart every hour during the first 3 days, then taper the dose gradually according to the prescribed schedule.
Antibiotic after cataract surgery

Antibiotic

For 2 Weeks
How to UseOne drop every 6 hours for 2 weeks.
Retinal protection eye drop after cataract surgery

Retinal Protection Eye Drop

For 1 Month
How to UseProlax: Twice Daily.
Acuvail: Four Times Daily.

Red Steroid Eye-Drop Tapering Schedule

First 3 DaysOne Drop Every Hour While Awake
First Week After the Initial 3 DaysOne Drop Every 6 Hours β€” Four Times Daily
Second WeekOne Drop Every 8 Hours β€” Three Times Daily
Third WeekOne Drop Every 12 Hours β€” Twice Daily
Fourth WeekOne Drop Every 24 Hours β€” Once Daily
After Completing the PlanStop the Eye Drop

Important Notes

  • Shake the red steroid eye-drop bottle before each use.
  • Leave a 10-minute interval between different eye drops.
  • Do not stop any eye drop or change the dose on your own except according to the schedule or your doctor’s instructions.
Expected Symptoms

Normal Symptoms After Surgery

Some symptoms may occur during the first few days and gradually improve.

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Mild Blurred Vision

Vision may initially be unclear and then gradually improve.

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Foreign-Body Sensation or Mild Burning

Tearing, mild burning, or a foreign-body sensation may occur.

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Mild Redness

Mild redness on the eye surface may appear during the first few days.

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Glare or Halos Around Lights

You may notice glare or halos around lights, especially at night, and these usually improve with time.

Very Important

Instructions After Cataract Surgery

Clear instructions to help recovery and protect the eye after surgery.

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The Most Important Rule After Surgery

Do not rub the eye, use the prescribed drops, avoid getting water into the eye, and attend follow-up appointments.

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Important Restrictions

  • Do not rub or press on the eye after surgery.
  • Avoid getting water or soap directly into the eye for 2 weeks; use dry ablution (tayammum) as instructed.
  • Do not use kohl or eye makeup for 2 weeks.
  • Avoid exposing the eye to dust and smoke during the first few days.
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Permitted Activities

  • Prayer: bowing and prostration are permitted after surgery, but avoid prolonged positions.
  • You may walk and move around the home normally.
  • You may perform ablution and shower while taking care not to let water reach the eye.
  • You may sleep in a comfortable position unless your doctor gives different instructions.
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Eye Protection

  • Use the eye shield while sleeping according to your doctor’s instructions.
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce light sensitivity.
  • Do not touch the eye with unclean hands.
  • Keep the face and eyelids clean without pressing on the eye.
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Exercise and Physical Strain

  • Avoid heavy lifting and excessive bending during the first week.
  • Avoid contact or strenuous sports that may expose the eye to injury until your doctor allows them.
  • Avoid swimming for one month or according to your doctor’s instructions.
  • You may gradually return to normal activity after medical review.
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How to Use the Eye Drops

  • Wash your hands before using eye drops.
  • Leave a 10-minute interval between different eye drops.
  • Do not touch the bottle tip to the eye or eyelashes.
  • If you are unsure, use the Treatment Calculator to check your current dose.Click Here to Open
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When Should You Contact the Clinic?

  • Severe or increasing pain.
  • Sudden or noticeable reduction in vision.
  • Severe redness or abnormal discharge.
  • Flashes of light, a dark curtain, or a sudden increase in floaters.
  • If you are unable to attend your follow-up appointment.

Need Help?

Choose the type of help you need and open your phone camera to access the appropriate link.

Coordinator WhatsApp

QR Code Coordinator WhatsApp

Cataract Surgery Instructions

Cataract Surgery Instructions QR Code

Treatment Calculator

Cataract Treatment Calculator QR Code

Eye-Drop Schedule

Cataract Eye-Drop Schedule QR Code

Do You Have a Question After Cataract Surgery?