This page gives general information. The written instructions you receive before and after surgery always take priority.
Before surgery
- At the pre-operative visit your eye is measured (biometry) and the intraocular lens is chosen together with you.
- Tell your doctor about all your medicines, especially blood thinners and prostate medicines. Do not stop any medicine without asking first.
- If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure they are well controlled.
- If you wear soft contact lenses, ask how long to leave them out before the measurements.
On the day
- Do not wear make-up or face cream.
- Bring someone who can take you home; do not drive that day.
- Whether you need to fast depends on the type of anaesthesia; you will be told in advance.
- The operation is usually done under anaesthetic eye drops, takes a short time, and you go home the same day.
After surgery
- Use your eye drops at the times and for as long as prescribed. If you have more than one, wait a few minutes between them.
- Do not rub or press on the eye. Wear the protective shield at night if advised.
- In the first days, keep water, soap and shampoo out of the eye. Avoid pools, the sea and steam rooms for as long as your doctor advises.
- Reading, watching TV and walking are usually fine from the next day. Ask before lifting heavy objects, bending down or exercising.
- Mild stinging, watering and light sensitivity are common at first; vision usually clears within a few days.
- A new glasses prescription is usually given a few weeks later, once the eye has fully healed.
Follow-up visits
Check-ups are usually the day after surgery, within the first week and within the first month. Please attend them even if you feel well.