How to take care of yourself when undergoing cataract surgery

Cataracts are a disease caused by the degeneration of the body, commonly found in the elderly. When a doctor diagnoses cataracts, the patient can choose an appropriate time for surgery, considering the severity of symptoms, physical condition, and the convenience of the timing. Adequate rest time should be allowed for good recovery after surgery.

Cataract surgery must be done and prepared as follows:

1. Blood test, electrocardiogram, or other tests as deemed appropriate by the doctor.
2. Measurement of the replacement lens, where the doctor will use a high-standard computer calculator for measurement.
3. For those with underlying diseases and a history of drug allergies, it is necessary to inform the doctor beforehand for consideration of consultation with a specialist for joint care.
4. Instill anti-infection eye drops 1-3 days before the surgery day, and bring the medication on the surgery day, storing it in a regular refrigerator compartment.
5. Practice lying flat and covering with a blanket for about 30 minutes, as during surgery the doctor will cover the patient in this manner.

Instructions on the day of surgery

1. Get plenty of rest the night before surgery, avoid heavy work to relax the body.
2. Wash your face and shampoo your hair thoroughly, avoid makeup on the surgery day.
3. Take regular medications as usual, except for some medications that the doctor advises to stop before surgery.
4. Arrive at the hospital about 2-3 hours before surgery to instill eye drops before surgery.
5. You may eat light food 1-2 hours before entering the operating room, but only enough to relieve hunger.
6. Use the restroom and complete personal business before entering the operating room.
7. During surgery, keep your head still. If you need to cough, sneeze, or move your head, always inform the doctor first.

Postoperative care

1. After surgery, the doctor will close the operated eye and will open it to instill medication the next day.
2. On the first day after surgery, avoid bending your head down, strong coughing or sneezing, or straining during bowel movements.
3. During the first 2 weeks after surgery, clean your face with clean saline provided by the doctor, or you may use cooled drinking water/boiled water to clean your face. Hair washing should be done at a salon, taking care to avoid water entering the eye. Wear an eye shield while sleeping to protect the eye from impact.
4. During the first month after surgery, wear sunglasses and avoid exposure to wind and dust. Do not lift heavy objects over 10 kilograms. Avoid cooking, exercising, gardening, caring for young children, or handling pets that might touch your face.
5. Instill medication as prescribed by the doctor, usually including anti-inflammatory and anti-infection drugs. Those with pterygium or dry eyes can also use artificial tears.
6. Eat normally, except avoid spicy food and alcoholic beverages.
7. Attend scheduled eye check-ups. Usually, discomfort will gradually decrease, and vision will improve and stabilize within about 1 month, after which vision can be measured for eyeglass prescription.
8. If there are abnormal symptoms such as eye pain or redness, see the doctor before the scheduled follow-up.

Types of intraocular lenses to choose according to suitability

1. Standard lenses designed to correct distance vision clearly, available in soft (foldable) types that reduce glare and filter ultraviolet light.
2. Toric lenses to correct astigmatism, suitable for those who want to reduce the use of reading glasses, improving both distance and near vision.
3. Multifocal lenses suitable for those who want to reduce the use of reading glasses, improving both distance and near vision.